Migrant Processing Centers in Texas Are Announcing Massive Layoffs as Trump Admin Crackdown Continues

El Paso, Texas has been significantly affected by recent layoffs resulting from the closure and downsizing of migrant processing centers along the U.S.-Mexico border, according to a new report by the El Paso Times.

Luke Holdings, which operates as Luke Staffing, laid off 676 caregivers and supervisors in Texas, including 227 in El Paso, as part of a broader reduction of 844 positions across Texas, Arizona, and California. All layoffs took effect on February 28, as stated in notices to state employment agencies.

In addition to Luke Staffing, MVM Inc., another major federal contractor, announced 247 layoffs in El Paso and 132 in McAllen following the cancellation of a contract to provide logistical support for unaccompanied immigrant children.

Pete Flores, Acting CBP Commissioner, attributed the closures to an "unprecedented drop in apprehensions," citing President Trump's executive orders as a contributing factor, according to the report. CBP data indicated an average of fewer than 300 apprehensions per day along the Southwest border in February—the lowest national average in CBP history.

Staffing reductions are also closely related to CBP closing five temporary soft-sided migrant processing facilities in Donna, Eagle Pass, and Laredo, Texas, and in Yuma and Tucson, Arizona. Facilities in San Diego and El Paso remain open but have reportedly reduced operations.

CBP estimates that closing each facility will save between $5 million an $30 million every month. The economic impact the actions will have in the El Paso economy remains unclear, though the local unemployment rate in January stood at 4.4%, same as where it stood for much of 2024, according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas

U.S. Customs and Border Report data released this week reported only 2,110 migrant apprehensions in the El Paso Sector in February, a significant drop from 4,871 in January. Despite the decline, the sector remains active, with smuggling cases continuing in Southern New Mexico. A federal official noted a daily average of 50 apprehensions in March, with none released on parole, as per data from the City of El Paso's Migrant Dashboard.