HYDE-SMITH REQUESTS INFORMATION ON REPORTS THAT MIGRANTS MAY BE HOUSED IN MISS.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today asked a Biden administration official to provide her with information regarding reports that the federal government could issue a contract to house migrants at a closed casino hotel in Tunica County.
Hyde-Smith issued the request in a letter to the U.S. Health and Human Services Department (HHS) official who administers the Office of Refugee Resettlement. This office is responsible for the care and custody of unaccompanied migrant individuals apprehended by U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) immigration officials.
“Constituents contacting me are deeply troubled about the potential negative economic impact that such a resettlement project would have on the local communities and the costs that state and local government agencies would have to bear to accommodate such a population. It is unclear at this point if Tunica, Mississippi, is able, willing, and prepared to manage such an influx,” Hyde-Smith wrote.
“I understand that proposals continue to be submitted for consideration to become designated as an ICF with a deadline of summer 2024. I would like to request a call with you to further discuss the proposal process and express my concerns about such a facility being located in Mississippi,” the Senator wrote.
Hyde-Smith serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee subcommittees with jurisdiction over HHS and DHS.
Read the letter here.
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