STORY BY GIL RUBINSTEIN, PHOTO BY SADIE HINE / SPECIAL TO THE MIDPENINSULA POST

The Department of Health and Human Services will not use Moffett Field as a temporary detention center for migrant children, according to a statement from U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo (CA-18) on March 18.

HHS had been searching for a potential temporary detainment site in light of the rising border crisis, and was considering placing minors in NASA’s intern housing, which is currently not being used due to COVID-19.

Last week, activists gathered at Moffett to protest its potential use as a detention center.

Eshoo, who represents northern Santa Clara County, chairs the House Health Subcommittee which oversees HHS.

“As Chairwoman of the Health Subcommittee that oversees HHS, I will continue to do everything I can to ensure unaccompanied children arriving at our borders and in the care of HHS are treated humanely and with dignity,” said Eshoo in her statement.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has recently seen a dramatic increase in the number of encounters on the southwestern border of the U.S., including a nearly 60% increase in the number of minors crossing the border.

At the moment, it is unclear what alternative options HHS may seek.