In a controversial move that has sparked outrage among Mississippi officials, the federal government has proposed housing migrant children at the now-defunct Harrah’s Tunica hotels in northern Mississippi. The plan, which would accommodate up to 350 unaccompanied minors seeking asylum in the United States, has been met with strong opposition from local lawmakers who fear the potential impact on the community.
The Harrah’s Tunica hotels, a once-thriving resort and casino complex along the Mississippi River, closed their doors in 2014 after years of declining revenue. The sprawling properties, which include a 1,400-room hotel tower and a 2,400-seat theater, have since sat abandoned and in disrepair, serving as a stark reminder of the region’s struggling economy.
Now, the federal government is considering leasing the abandoned hotels to house migrant children who have crossed the border into the United States without a parent or guardian. The proposal has prompted Mississippi officials, including Governor Tate Reeves and Senator Roger Wicker, to speak out against the plan, citing concerns about the potential impact on the local community and the strain it could place on already limited resources.
“We welcome migrant children with open arms, but putting them in an abandoned hotel in rural Mississippi is not the solution,” Governor Reeves said in a statement. “We need to find more suitable and appropriate facilities to house these vulnerable children and provide them with the care and support they need.”
Senator Wicker echoed the governor’s concerns, expressing worries about the long-term implications of housing migrant children in such a remote location. “The decision to house these children at the old Harrah’s Tunica hotels is ill-advised and raises serious questions about the government’s priorities and commitment to ensuring the well-being of these vulnerable individuals,” he said.
Supporters of the plan argue that the Harrah’s Tunica hotels offer a temporary solution to the urgent need for housing migrant children, who have overwhelmed facilities along the U.S.-Mexico border in recent months. They point to the vast size of the properties and the potential for them to be repurposed into dormitory-style living spaces with adequate amenities and services for the children.
However, opponents remain steadfast in their opposition, calling for a reconsideration of the plan and urging the federal government to explore alternative options for housing migrant children in more suitable facilities. The debate over the fate of the old Harrah’s Tunica hotels has ignited a heated discussion about the humanitarian crisis at the border and the responsibilities of states and local communities in addressing the needs of asylum-seekers.
As the federal government continues to weigh its options, the fate of the abandoned hotels remains uncertain. Mississippi officials are standing firm in their opposition to the plan, vowing to fight for the well-being and dignity of migrant children while also safeguarding the interests of the local community. The future of the old Harrah’s Tunica hotels hangs in the balance as the debate rages on, leaving many to wonder what lies ahead for these once-thriving properties in the heart of the Mississippi Delta.
