(The Center Square) – At a time when San Diego County is dealing with an increase of 50,000 migrants dropped off in a matter of a few months, its spending on public assistance has grown significantly.
Public assistance has grown to become the second biggest government expense for the county. Public protection was $2.08 billion in fiscal year 2023, accounting for 34% of the $6.14 billion in governmental expenses. Public assistance accounted for $1.84 billion, or 30% of all governmental expenses. Public assistance cost the county $1.09 billion in 2019, which is a 69% increase over that four-year period.
That’s according to a budget report the city recently released. Those costs do not account for 50,000 additional migrants being dropped off in the county since September.
San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond was critical of the county’s approach to spending on the migrants. The county is designated as a Sanctuary City.
“Now, more money will be diverted away from county taxpayers. We have seen over 50,000 migrants enter San Diego County since September 13, and there are no signs of this slowing down,” Desmond said in a statement. “Our immigration system is broken, and San Diegans shouldn’t have to sacrifice local services because of this breakdown. This situation is unsustainable for our community, both financially and logistically.”
Desmond continued: “Migrants entering our country need assistance, but it’s the Federal Government’s responsibility, not the County’s, to fund and provide the necessary resources. The decision to use County funds for non-U.S. Citizens and federal immigration issues with no end in sight is a recipe for disaster.”
In October, the Board of Supervisors approved a $3 million Welcome Center in North San Diego County “to serve as a hub for services, resources, and information for immigrants and refugees.”
San Diego County officials declined to comment on the rising costs of public assistance.
