Arizona Democrats want ‘federal crisis coordinator’ for border

PHOENIX — Arizona Congressional Democrats want the Department of Homeland Security’s acting chief to create a new position to help handle the border crisis.

In a letter to Kevin McAleenan, the delegation requested a “federal crisis coordinator” to help groups on the front lines dealing with migrants after they’ve been released from detention — meaning state and local governments and charities providing care.

Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D-Tucson) says the official in that role could coordinate with organizations about when and where migrants would be released as part of the asylum-seeking process.

“That person would be the primary point of contact for the community groups and the localities that are assisting with the provisions of food, housing and transportation to asylum seekers,” Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D-Tucson) explained, knowing their resources are shrinking.

“We in Congress are talking about doing some emergency funding to help these groups that are handling this humanitarian crisis at the border,” she added.

Kirkpatrick recommends that McAleenan take the coordinator job, if it’s created.

“He could start very soon, and that’s the whole point — to deal with this humanitarian crisis,” she said.

McAleenan’s predecessor, Kirstjen Nielsen, announced that Manny Padilla would take a similar coordination post before she stepped down last month.

“We have not heard any update about that position and what they’ll be responsible for, what resources will be at his disposal, or even whether the entity will continue under the acting secretary’s leadership,” Kirkpatrick said.

Kirkpatrick wants an appointment for federal crisis coordinator now and for Congress to find money for it later.

Reps. Ruben Gallego, Raul Grijalva, Greg Stanton and Tom O’Halleran joined Kirkpatrick in signing the letter, which was dated Monday.

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