Directors say fear of political backlash and the dismantling of USAID funding are leaving migrant shelters bracing for deep uncertainty in 2026.
Migrant shelters in the city of Tijuana are facing another reduction in funding from donors in the United States, something that will lead to a “tight” 2026.
José María García Lara, director of the Alianza Migrante shelter, told El Sol de Tijuana that despite a sharp decline in the number of migrants needing their help, fixed operating expenses such as utilities and rent remain.
“This is going to put us in dire straits,” he said. “Many organizations that helped us in the past have cut back on their funding and contributions even further to facilities like ours.”
García Lara said many donors in the U.S. are afraid to be seen as helping migrants and drawing the ire of the current administration.
Many shelters along the border were also financially supplemented by USAID, or the United States Agency for International Development, which was dismantled early last year as part of the DOGE cuts implemented by Elon Musk and President Trump.
“Groups and individuals would rather contribute their money north of the border to help those affected by ICE roundups and arrests” García Lara said.
He also said other shelters in the region are facing the same cutbacks and uncertainty as they move into the spring and summer.
