TUNICA, Miss. – A former hotel in Tunica, Mississippi is included in a plan to house hundreds of undocumented immigrant minors.
The Harrah Casino was demolished back in 2015, but it may be now used for immigrants. However, there are concerns from the community who are asking about security and resources.
A letter was sent to several elected officials across Mississippi asking them to sign in support of using the former hotels as unaccompanied children’s shelter or influx care community.
It reads “The proposed ICF will serve as an important humanitarian cause it will offer a safe haven for children who have fled violence, property, and persecution in their home countries and who have endured perilous journeys to seek refugee in our nation.”
FOX13 spoke with leaders in Mississippi as they weighed in on the possible decision. “They will bring them in for a little while, educate them, feed them, and ship them somewhere else,” said Representative Cedric Burnett.
The letter also mentioned it will have to create opportunities for local organizations and volunteers to get involved, but Tunica County Sheriff said this project can cause major concerns within the community.
“We do not have the adequate resources to support or accommodate the Immigrants Initiative. When it concerns public safety, public healthcare, along with child protective services; Tunica County does not have a local hospital in the event of an emergency. We have to transport our patients to area hospitals located in Desoto County, Tate County, Clarksdale and Memphis, Tennessee.” said Sheriff Calvin K.C. Hamp.
Representative Bennie Thompson is allegedly behind the project according to the sheriff’s office, but the responsibility is left to immigration and customs.
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