The Lukeville Port of Entry re-opened this month after a high number of migrant arrivals prompted border officers to close it in December. Now, local leaders warn another deadline is still looming. 

Seeking asylum along the border is a right under U.S. and international law. Those released by the Border Patrol in Arizona often come to Tucson before making their way elsewhere.

During a visit to the border Thursday, Pima County Administrator Jan Lesher said the county provides medical screenings, transportation and temporary shelters for migrants. 

"And while we’ve been doing this, receiving over 360,000 people since we began in April 2019, we’ve not had street release," she said. "I don’t think we’re going to be able to say that after the end of February, when the monies run out."

Street releases are when migrants are dropped off by border officers without the assistance of aid groups. Lesher says street releases haven’t happened in Tucson so far because of the federal funding the county receives through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. But now the funding model — and the amount — is changing, She said she’s not sure yet what’s next.

Last month, amid an increase in the number of migrants and asylum seekers arriving in the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument near Lukeville, lawmakers like southern Arizona Democrat Raul Grijalva called on the Biden to send additional resources from FEMA to help.

National Park Service

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in the Sonoran Desert.