Western Reader
Boston’s Logan International Airport is currently coping with an influx of migrant families who are using the airport as a temporary shelter due to the strain on Massachusetts’ shelter system. The Terminal E at Logan Airport has become a place where hundreds of migrants sleep on its floors, prompting calls for federal assistance as state-run shelters are at full capacity.
Governor Maura Healey has highlighted the urgency of the situation, especially after incidents among the migrants at the airport. She called for Congressional action to address the overcrowding, noting that state police had to intervene during a recent dispute between two migrant families over a power outlet.
Boston’s Logan Airport is currently providing shelter for over 100 migrants, with more arriving around the clock.
There has been a noticeable increase in migrants at Boston Logan Airport, as they gather at baggage claim, using sparse blankets as makeshift mattresses.
To tackle the crisis, the Healey administration has initiated plans to move these families to the Melnea Cass Recreation Complex in Roxbury. This temporary site will offer essential services including meals, healthcare, and legal assistance. However, this decision has faced opposition from local officials and residents concerned about its impact on the Roxbury community.
The Melnea Cass Complex, designed to accommodate up to 400 families, will have continuous staffing to ensure the safety and support of the migrants. The facility is set to stay closed to the public until late June, allowing state officials to handle the influx and provide necessary resources.
Migrants at Boston Logan Airport.
Being a right-to-shelter state, Massachusetts has seen a significant rise in migrant arrivals, overwhelming the existing system with a cap of 7,500 shelter spots. The Governor has consistently called for federal involvement to address the escalating crisis.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has expressed frustration over the handling of the situation, noting the historical injustices faced by communities like Roxbury. She emphasized the need for a sustainable and equitable solution to the shelter crisis.
The visibility of families sleeping in terminal areas at Logan Airport has drawn attention, underscoring the immediate need for comprehensive immigration and housing policies to avert further crises.
As the state addresses the immediate needs of these families, the larger debate on immigration and federal responsibility continues. The situation at Logan Airport serves as a stark reminder of the human impact of policy decisions and the necessity for coordinated efforts to support vulnerable populations.
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