Hyde-Smith wants more info on proposed Tunica migrant facility
TUNICA COUNTY, Miss. — U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) has reportedly sent a letter to the U.S. Health and Human Services Department asking the Biden administration for more information regarding a proposal to use a former Tunica casino to house thousands of migrant children.
“Constituents contacting me are deeply troubled about the potential negative economic impact that such a resettlement project would have on the local communities and the costs that state and local government agencies would have to bear to accommodate such a population,” Hyde-Smith wrote. “It is unclear at this point if Tunica, Mississippi, is able, willing, and prepared to manage such an influx.”
The Tunica County Sheriff says he has concerns after finding out the former Harrah’s Casino Hotel could become a shelter for unaccompanied immigrant children.
Tunica County still has not given official approval, despite reports suggesting it could house up to 2,000 immigrant children.
Former MS casino hotel could be used to house immigrant minors
Sheriff K.C. Hamp says he was blindsided Monday night after learning about the proposal. He said he is still scrambling for details on how immigrants will arrive, and where they will be coming from.
“In this case, when it’s concerning public safety, Tunica County does not have resources to accommodate something of this magnitude without planning,” said Hamp. “I have no knowledge. I’m just learning about this as you are.”
Sheriff Hamp says he missed a crucial board meeting due to a training trip, and that is when the federal government proposed using the former hotel to house immigrant children.
He is now raising concerns about emergency services, as Tunica County lacks a local hospital.
“Patients have to be taken to hospitals in DeSoto, Tate, Coahoma County along with area hospitals in Memphis, Tennessee,” said Hamp.
If the proposal goes through, up to 2,000 children could arrive in Tunica. Sheriff Hamp says he needs more time to prepare his staff for the massive language barrier.
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“We have two special officers, but they’re not sworn in. In this type of situation, we need more. Just because we may be getting immigrants from other countries, that does not mean they all speak the same language,” he said.
Erin Hall and Bryan Loza from the popular Blue and White Restaurant in Tunica say they are all in for anything that benefits kids and improves their lives. They have no issues with immigrants coming to their town.
“It’s kids. It’s not their fault. It’s not anything that they’re in control of. It’s not anything they can help,” said Hall.
“Kids are the future of this world, of this planet, so we need to focus on the next generation. Even if they’re immigrants,” said Loza.
We tried to get a comment from the law firm representing the property owners, but they have not responded yet.
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