News

Portland creates emergency shelter for asylum seekers

Portland creates emergency shelter for asylum seekers

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


PORTLAND, Maine (AP) Maine’s largest city will repurpose a basketball arena as an emergency shelter in anticipation of hundreds of asylum seekers who are headed to the state from the U.S.’s southern border.

About 100 asylum seekers have arrived in Portland since Sunday. City Manager Jon Jennings says another 150 are expected in the coming week, and many more could follow. Most are arriving from Congo and Angola.

Jennings says cots will be set up at Portland Expo, the home of the Maine Red Claws. Meals will also be made available. He said the city officials are working with the Red Cross and the state to staff the shelter.

Jennings said he’s been told by the city manager in San Antonio that there are currently between 1,500 and 2,000 African migrants seeking border asylum.

Latest Headlines

24 hours ago in Local

Gov. Mills vetoes moratorium on new data centers in Maine

Gov. Janet Mills has vetoed a first-in-the-nation moratorium on new data centers in Maine.

24 hours ago in Local

Judge gives Maine 30 days to review signatures for transgender student referendum

A judge on Friday gave the Maine Secretary of State's Office 30 days to review signatures gathered for a referendum concerning transgender students.

2 days ago in Local

Two Arrested in Months-Long Maine Drug Enforcement Investigation

Both were taken to the Somerset County Jail.

2 days ago in Local

All Residents Displaced from Biddeford Apartment Fire

The Red Cross is working with the building owner and tenants to find temporary housing.

2 days ago in Local

Missing teens found after traffic stop in Portland

Portland Police say they located two missing teenagers from the Augusta area during traffic stop overnight Thursday morning.