WASHINGTON — The Pentagon will make space available on military bases for as many as 20,000 unaccompanied migrant children detained after illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, says a spokesman.
The request for temporary shelter — amid a growing political battle over detained migrants — was made by the Department of Health and Human Services and accepted by the Defense Department, said the spokesman, Army Lt. Col. Jamie Davis.
A Pentagon memo to members of Congress, obtained by The Associated Press, said it has been asked to have the facilities available as early as July, through the end of the year. It said HHS personnel or contractors for HHS “will provide all care for the children,” including supervision, meals, clothing, medical services, transportation and other daily needs.
There are several military bases in the Mid-South states: the Naval Support Activity Mid-South in Millington, Tennessee; Columbus Air Force Bases, Kessler Air Force Base, the Naval Air Station and the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Mississippi; and Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas.
