Local leaders staying prepared for possibility of migrants being sent to First State
GEORGETOWN, Del. – Tuesday, First State leaders and community members scrambled to prepare for a flight rumored to be carrying migrants from Florida and Texas to arrive at Georgetown’s Coastal Airport.
Ready To Help
While Georgetown Mayor Bill West tells 47 ABC he believes the scramble was a political stunt, he also says he’s choosing to focus on how his town would respond.
“We knew it was going to happen, being that the president is from Delaware, we were sitting here with a target on our back. We were going to make the most of the situation, and show that we can take care of the people and better their lives,” said Georgetown Mayor Bill West.
By Wednesday morning, it became clear that the plane was not arriving any time soon, if at all. However, what did arrive, and continues to stick around, is the community’s pledge to offer clothing, housing, health care, and other resources.
“It was like an emergency. Suddenly, we received a call to be there, and people respond appropriately with this situation,” said Pastor Rene Knight of Iglesia Metodista Unida Betel. “They are newcomers and immigrants. They are coming with many fears. We don’t know what had been their path to come here.”
Mayor West says Monday night, calls started pouring in about the possibility of the plane arriving. He immediately started making calls himself, requesting assistance from the state, as well as organizations like La Esperanza and First State Community Action Agency.
“I wanted to send a message as fast as we could that Delaware is different than anybody else. We can pull our resources together. They’re human beings, and we can show them respect and give them the things they need,” said Mayor West.
“A good community”
But as Knight puts it, sometimes the biggest comforts aren’t tangible. “It’s important in this situation to give spiritual and emotional presence and support to these families. That’s the reason I decided to go [to the airport],” he said.
Knight tells 47 ABC just being there to offer a hug and a prayer in their own language can make a world of difference. He says that’s especially true for people who have made the extremely difficult decision to flee danger in their home countries for the possibility of a better life.
“I’m a preacher, and I’m a pastor. I believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ and I believe in the Bible, that says to welcome the foreigners,” said Knight. “I believe the community of people have that in their hearts. We are a good community in Sussex County.”
Staying Ready
Rumors also circulated of migrants being bussed to President Joe Biden’s home in Rehoboth Beach. 47 ABC reached out to city officials, asking if they were prepared for that possibility.
Rehoboth Beach officials sent a statement to 47 ABC reading, “We appreciate that the Delaware Emergency Management Agency and Delaware Health and Social Services are taking the lead on responding to this potential situation. We in Rehoboth Beach will continue to work with our state and local partners to be prepared for this possibility and respond compassionately to the needs of migrants who may be sent to our area.”
Meanwhile, back in Georgetown, Mayor West says his town is also prepared in the case that migrants are sent to the area. “I’d tell the people of Georgetown that I’m looking out for the best interest of Georgetown. If this happens, we will get through it in a timely manner, and in a professional manner,” he said.
