800-bed facility opens for child migrants in Greensboro
A new facility is open in Greensboro to house unaccompanied child migrants, but there is little information about how the center will operate.
The Influx Care Facilities (ICF) at the Greensboro Children's Center is now operational and ready to receive children. However, operators told WRAL News no children are currently scheduled to be placed there.
The 100-acre property at 4334 Hobbs Road is surrounded by a fence with security guards posted at all entrances. WRAL News visited on Friday and saw very few people coming and going.
The ICF Greensboro Children's Center in northwest Greensboro was formerly the American Hebrew Academy.
Government documents show the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is leasing the property, paying more than $50 million for five years.
According to the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), migrant children ages 13 to 17 will be housed there temporarily, for about two or three weeks, while family and sponsors are located.
The facility has the capacity for up to 800 beds.
WRAL News spoke to residents who said they support the facility.
"They're just kids," said Greensboro resident Heather Bell. "They just need a safe place to be."
"Finding a place to stay for children, it's a wonderful thing," agreed Zach Sharron. "I don't think there's anything better on Planet Earth ... as far as I'm concerned as somebody thankful to have citizenship in the United States and North Carolina, [it's] absolutely great."
Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan posted information from the ORR on Facebook, writing, "It is important to note that no children will be placed at the facility at this time while ORR monitors referrals and overall capacity needs. ORR will notify stakeholders before children are placed at the ICF."
WRAL News reached out to city and county leaders to learn more about the facility but received no reply.
Last week, North Carolina congressional leaders wrote a letter to Xavier Becerra, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, expressing frustration about a "lack of transparency" regarding plans for the facility.
The letter reads in part: "We are frustrated by this sudden announcement."
Lawmakers also said they have had significant delays in response to their inquiries for information.
WRAL News on Friday asked the ORR for a statement and was told to expect a response in two business days.
