The Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS), a longstanding provider of migrant shelter services, has announced the closure of its facility and the layoff of 115 employees. This decision follows significant changes in federal immigration policies under the Trump administration, leading to a cessation of new asylum-seeking individuals being released into their care.
Since the termination of the CBP One phone application on January 20, JFS has not received any new migrants. The CBP One app, initially designed to assist with cargo inspections, was expanded in 2023 to allow migrants to schedule appointments at ports of entry. Its discontinuation has directly impacted organizations like JFS that rely on coordinated releases from federal custody.
In response to these developments, JFS stated that their San Diego Rapid Response Network Migrant Shelter Services will be paused until there is a clearer understanding of future community needs. The organization plans to shift its focus toward providing pro bono legal services and other social support to vulnerable populations in the San Diego area.
This closure reflects broader national trends resulting from recent federal policy changes, including a significant reduction in daily migrant encounters at the U.S. border. These shifts have led to decreased demand for migrant shelter services and have prompted organizations to reassess their roles and resources in the current immigration landscape.
As JFS transitions its services, the organization remains committed to supporting the community through legal assistance and social services, adapting to the evolving needs resulting from the recent policy changes.