The Migrant Resource Center in San Antonio has officially closed its doors.
The Migrant Resource Center in San Antonio has officially closed its doors to new asylum seekers as of February 3, 2025. This decision comes after a significant 72% drop in migrant arrivals, prompting city officials to conclude that the facility is no longer economically viable. Over the course of its operation, the center provided essential support to over 451,000 migrants, but funding challenges and operational costs played a critical role in its closure. Catholic Charities, which managed the center, plans to continue assisting migrants through other avenues.
In a significant shift, the Migrant Resource Center in San Antonio has ceased operations, officially closing its doors to new asylum seekers on February 3, 2025. Since opening back in July 2022, this center played a crucial role in offering help to those released from the clutches of U.S. Border Patrol and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. With a drop in arrivals, city officials have determined that it’s time to wrap things up.
What’s led to this closure? Well, a dramatic plunge in migrant arrivals tells the story. Last January, the center saw a staggering 8,264 migrants flowing into San Antonio. Fast forward a year, and that number dropped to just 2,316, marking a whopping 72% decrease. With such a steep decline, there simply aren’t enough people to justify the costs associated with running the facility.
As the center neared its closure, the last group of migrants departed, leaving behind 88 individuals who needed a temporary place to stay. City Manager Erik Walsh pointed out that the reduced number of migrants arriving was enough to signal that the costs of maintaining the center were no longer tenable.
So, what’s the financial stake in all of this? San Antonio spent a staggering $35.9 million on the migrant operations at this center. Thankfully, FEMA has been helpful, reimbursing $22.5 million so far, while another $13.2 million is still pending. However, the Trump administration has decided to temporarily withhold millions of dollars that the city deserves, all while it reviews funding and raises some eyebrows about how funds from FEMA’s Shelter and Services Program have been used.
There’s also been a fair amount of worry from the Department of Homeland Security. They have expressed “significant concerns” regarding the possibility that grant funds might have been diverted for illegal activities. Due to this ongoing review, grant recipients are required to provide information about each migrant served—names, contact details, and the services they received—within a tight 30-day window.
Throughout its time in service, the Migrant Resource Center was operated day-to-day by Catholic Charities of San Antonio. They provided a lifeline full of essential resources such as legal assistance, travel booking support, meals, showers, clothing, and temporary accommodations. It’s estimated that more than 451,000 migrants passed through the center since its inception, making it a vital resource during previous surges in arrivals.
On February 25, the city and Catholic Charities officially vacated the center. The property was handed back over to its owner on March 5, 2025. While the center’s operations have come to an end, it’s a bittersweet moment for many who relied on its services during challenging times.
Despite the closure of the Migrant Resource Center, Catholic Charities vowed to continue their mission by providing assistance to migrants through their other services. City officials, including District 10 City Councilman Marc Whyte, weighed in on the matter, supporting the decision to close the facility in light of budgetary concerns and potential funding instability.
As San Antonio turns the page on this chapter of refugee support, many are left wondering how the city will adapt to the changing landscape of migrant arrivals. With challenges still ahead, the community is focusing on how to move forward while ensuring that those in need are still met with compassion and support.
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