Center serving deported migrants adds beds

Associated Press - January 3, 2009 2:34 PM ET

SIERRA VISTA, Ariz. (AP) - A resource center in Naco, Mexico that helps illegal immigrants deported from Arizona has opened a shelter where migrants can rest for the night.

The Migrant Resource Center opened a year ago to offer food, drinks, clothing and advice to migrants freshly dropped off at the border by the U.S. immigration agents.

The new building that opened in early December was needed because deportees are often dropped off late at night and need a place to stay. Migrant Resource Center director Cecile Lumer says others arrive during the day and don't have a place to sleep.

Lumer says the shelter is a safe haven for returned migrants who often are confronted by immigrant smugglers who won't let them go to a hotel if they decide not to try to re-enter the U.S. The shelter has seven beds, but mattresses for seven more people are available and the site is expected to expand.

About 8,000 deported illegal immigrants have sought help at the resource center since it opened last January.

Information from: Sierra Vista Herald, http://www.svherald.com
http://www.kold.com/Global/story.asp?S=9611739