Torres Welcomes HHS Secretary Becerra to Pomona for Fairplex Emergency Intake Site Tour

POMONA -- Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35), today visited the Pomona Fairplex Emergency Intake Site (EIS) with the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, Xavier Becerra.

Rep. Torres and Sec. Becerra met with Cherokee Federal and the Department of Health and Homeland Security at the site. Some of the amenities Rep. Torres and Sec. Becerra visited include: the intake center, phone banking, medical center, classrooms, dormitories, and recreation areas.

"I was honored to join Secretary Becerra on a tour of the Emergency Intake Facility," Rep. Norma J. Torres said. "I visit the facility weekly to ensure that all children that are sheltered here are safe and are provided the best care and support. The physical and mental wellness of these children are my top priority here in Pomona while my work continues to combat the root cause of migration in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras that drive them to take the dangerous journey."

The Emergency Intake Facility opened in Pomona on May 1, 2021. As of today, there are currently a total of 1,382 children at the facility and close to 1,000 have been reunified with their families. This week, HHS announced that children 12 years and older will be able to receive the Pfizer vaccine to help alleviate the spread of COVID-19.

This week Rep. Torres announced numerous provisions focused on U.S.-Central America policy that were included in the House FY2022 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill which support strengthening the rule of law and supporting the Central American people. More information about these provisions and Rep. Torres' work influencing U.S.-Central America policy is available here.

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