A growing humanitarian crisis in our city has prompted the El Paso Independent School District to take action. El Paso ISD is working with the City of El Paso as it contends with a state of emergency declaration related to a situation along the U.S.-Mexico border that is garnering international headlines. The news in recent days surrounding Title 42 has spurred a situation that is currently straining resources throughout El Paso as a significant influx of migrants is expected to arrive at the U.S. border.

To alleviate some of the strain on city resources, El Paso ISD will open the former Bassett Middle School campus, which is currently vacant, to allow the City of El Paso to temporarily house migrants. The city will begin a phase-in occupancy beginning Friday, Dec. 23, with priority given to women, children and families. The former Morehead Middle School will be utilized beginning next week. This is part of a joint effort that includes the city, nonprofits and faith-based organizations who are working to offer aid to migrants.

Individuals and organizations interested in assisting with relief efforts can find more information at https://www.elpasotexas.gov/migrant-crisis/.

The city has pledged to commit all resources necessary to house these individuals including heightened security measures such as 24-hour law enforcement patrol, secured perimeters and partitioned fencing in any location that is adjacent to an operating campus.

This will continue to be an evolving situation. Please be assured that the safety and security of our students and staff as well as our facilities is the district’s top priority. We will provide updates as information becomes available. If you have concerns, please email us at shelter@episd.org.