Center leader hopes Trump doesn't reinstate 'remain in Mexico' policy

A nun who has assisted thousands of migrants in finding refuge in the U.S. hopes that President-elect Trump does not reintroduce the strict immigration policies that characterized his first term.

Border Report reports that Sister Norma Pimentel, who runs the Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley migrant shelter in Eagle Pass, Texas, and has been commended by the Pope for her humanitarian work, intends to collaborate with the incoming administration to facilitate the processing of asylum applications for needy migrants, enabling them to pursue a more affluent and fulfilling existence.

She hopes the Trump-Vance administration, elected on a platform of reducing illegal immigration and conducting the largest ever deportation operation, will not make asylum-seekers wait in Mexico for months or years for their immigration cases to be heard.

Trump has consistently praised his Migrant Protection Protocols, commonly known as "Remain in Mexico," for significantly decreasing the number of migrants crossing the southern border. It is anticipated that Trump will reintroduce the policy, although it may take some time to implement and will necessitate collaboration with the Mexican government.

Pimentel argues that facilitating the migration of individuals and providing them with support from organizations like hers ensures their safety and enables them to obtain essentials such as food and shelter.

Pimentel, who runs the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, expressed her hope that the past experience of seeing many people suffer and hurt would not repeat itself. She believes that it is dangerous for people who have already applied for asylum and have a right to be in the United States while their cases are processed. She made these comments to Border Report at her office in the Basilica of San Juan.

"What is the reason for them to wait in Mexico? Nevertheless, we would collaborate with them to facilitate the asylum process, regardless of what they receive."

The former nightclub-turned shelter used to process 1,500 people per day, but now it only handles about 50, according to Border Report.

Pimentel claims that the Biden administration has mostly halted unauthorized migrants from crossing between ports of entry, and if they manage to evade detection, they are returned.

In fiscal year 2024, nearly half of the 2.9 million nationwide encounters were at ports of entry, while only 15 percent were at ports of entry in fiscal year 2021, according to DHS's website. However, illegal border crossings surged under the Biden administration, resulting in more than 10.8 million illegal encounters since FY 2021.

The top house committee has launched an investigation into the Biden administration's priorities regarding FEMA hurricane relief and migrant spending.

The Trump-Vance administration may cut federal funding for non-profits that handle migrants, according to Pimentel.

This year, FEMA is distributing $650 million in grants to non-profits and local communities to assist with the influx of illegal immigrants during the ongoing border crisis. The funding comes from a redistribution of resources from Customs and Border Protection.

In the aftermath of hurricanes in North Carolina and Florida, DHS's scheme drew the ire of conservatives, prompting them to demand additional funding from Congress.

She believes that God will provide and that the Rio Grande Valley community will come out to support asylum-seekers.

"Pimentel stated that the funding was a blessing, as it was beneficial and aided their efforts. Prior to this, the community and individuals from all over the United States supported their initiatives. This new funding challenges them to continue to contribute to the betterment of humanity."

While some have commended her humanitarian efforts, others, including Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, have criticized her for allegedly supporting illegal immigration and running stash houses for undocumented immigrants.

A judge in Hidalgo County ruled that Paxton lacks the authority to remove Pimentel and other leaders of migrant centers in Texas, as per Border Report.

Pimentel has a close working relationship with DHS and regularly gets called by Border Patrol when they are bringing migrants to her center or have a large group that needs respite care. She stated that she will work with whoever is necessary to ensure that those who come to the U.S. are treated humanely and with dignity.

She stated that she would be available to collaborate with our leaders and work towards creating something beneficial for our country's citizens who require assistance.

Thomas Homan, appointed by President-elect Trump as his "border czar," could be one of those leaders.

This week, Homan revealed that the new administration will not implement "catch and release" policies.

No fraudulent asylum claims exist; you will either remain in Mexico or be in detention. You will not enter the border and be released, then flown to your desired city by NGOs at the expense of taxpayers.