Record numbers of migrants caught crossing the border, stretching center resources thin

A local humanitarian center said they are stretched thin as U.S. Customs and Border Protection release migrants from detention centers due to overcrowding.

Record numbers of migrants caught crossing the border is putting pressure on humanitarian centers.

Jack White with Good Neighbor Settlement House in Brownsville said the center is feeling the pressure. He said within the last eight months, his organization has seen a steady flow of immigrants coming through their doors.

Many from places like Central America, China, India and Bangladesh including pregnant women.

"I feel like the numbers are going to increase," White said. "My understanding is that border patrol may be releasing people directly to us before they are processed to ICE."

Right now the facility is able to take in 100 people per day, but with the increase of migrants crossing, he said he's in need of more hands.

"We're already stretched," he explained. "A 100 would take us above and beyond a number we've ever experienced."

Alexandra Guzman who is a coordinator at the facility said staff and volunteers work around the clock.

They pick up migrants at bus stations in the morning and then take them to the airport, or are assisting them to get them to their next destination.

"My mom volunteered to take people at five in the morning, and I tagged along," Guzman said. "So we do need volunteers because sometimes we need to take them at five in the morning sometimes late at night."

Despite the long hours , volunteers with the Good Neighbor will continue to help those in need adjust to their new reality.

"I feel really good about Brownsville and the response we have gotten," White said. "We need more of it but we can be proud to a city that has been responsive to this issue."

At the center several migrants are waiting for their next destination. Some say they've spent more than 50 days in a detention center before being released.