Pentagon approves use of 2 Texas bases for migrant kids

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

ANKARA (AA) - The Pentagon approved a request by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to use two Texas military posts to house unaccompanied migrant minors.

The Department of Defense will provide HHS officials access to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland and Fort Bliss "immediately to begin initial actions to prepare for receiving unaccompanied migrant children as soon as preparations are complete, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said late Wednesday.

The announcement came one day after HSS' request.

Kirby said the support "will not negatively affect military training, operations, readiness, or other military requirements, including National Guard and Reserve readiness," and HHS will maintain "custody and responsibility for the well-being and support for these children at all times on the installation."

The number of minors that would receive housing in Texas remains unclear.

President Joe Biden's administration is currently facing criticism from Republicans over its migrant policies, while the border is still closed.

After former President Donald Trump's hardline approach to immigration, legal and illegal, migrants are surging into the US in anticipation of more lenient treatment.