A San Diego migrant shelter operated by the Jewish Family Service (JFS) has ceased operations and laid off 115 employees, citing changes in federal funding and policy under the Trump administration. The closure follows the termination of the CBP One app, which facilitated migrant entry into the U.S., on Inauguration Day.
The JFS shelter, part of the San Diego Rapid Response Network (SDRRN), hasn't received new arrivals since the app's discontinuation. The CBP One app, initially designed for cargo inspections, was later expanded to allow migrants to schedule appointments at ports of entry. This expansion, linked to Title 42 exceptions and the Biden administration's "lawful pathways" initiative, resulted in over 936,500 appointment bookings for parole through the app by December 2024.
JFS, which reports assisting 200,000 migrants in transit through San Diego County since 2018, provided temporary shelter, meals, and transportation. Despite claiming a lack of funds, records indicate JFS received over $22 million in FEMA funding in Fiscal Year 2024. The organization now plans to shift its focus towards pro bono legal services and community support resources for vulnerable San Diegans.
CEO Michael Hopkins stated that JFS has been anticipating these policy shifts and is exploring new avenues for community assistance in collaboration with partners. Both JFS and FEMA have been contacted for comment.
