217 undocumented immigrants now held at FLETC in Artesia

By Zack Ponce
zponce@currentargus.com @zackponce12 on Twitter
POSTED: 07/09/2014 06:18:23 PM MDT

ARTESIA >> Undocumented immigrants have now been housed in Southeastern New Mexico for nearly two weeks and government officials say there have been no issues to report.

Some Central American mothers with children who were caught attempting to cross the US-Mexico border illegally have been temporarily detained inside barracks at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) facility in Artesia since June 27.

Immigration and Enforcement officials reported that more undocumented immigrants have been transported to FLETC during a Tuesday meeting with Artesia Mayor Phil Burch and a handful of Eddy County, Artesia and Carlsbad city officials. As of Tuesday, 217 detainees were being held at FLETC, including 121 children.

ICE officials reported that there have been no escape attempts by the undocumented immigrants and that no detainees have been quarantined for any health concerns.

Carlsbad City Councilman J.R. Doporto said doesn't think holding immigrants in Artesia presents any safety risks for Carlsbad.

"Right now I don't foresee any," Doporto said. "Unless there's a big health issue and their hospital couldn't handle it, our hospital would be on standby."

Doporto said he is more concerned about the city's housing prices elevating with ICE's plans to hire 88 additional security personnel, as well as teachers to educate the undocumented children.

"Obviously Artesia is full, so housing-wise it creates a little more strain on our housing," Doporto said. "I think it's too early to tell, but it's something to keep your eye on."

A majority of the women and children hail from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, but there are also a few detainees from Nicaragua currently held at FLETC according to ICE officials.

According to Doporto, 34 out of the 96 families detained have said they fled to the United States out of fear and have applied for asylum.

There have only been two immigration hearings in front of judges since June 27 and none of the undocumented immigrants have left the facility since their arrival.

Reporter Zack Ponce can be reached at (575) 689-7402.

http://www.currentargus.com/carlsbad...-fletc-artesia