SAN DIEGO — Asylum seekers have taken over a Barrio Logan park, leaving some neighbors feeling frustrated and unsafe.
Parents told CBS 8 that tents starting popping up in 2023, but over the past couple months, they have grown by the dozens.
“We shouldn't be having to go through this, especially not as a community, not our kids," said Alba Flores.
Flores has two kids who play soccer at Cesar Chavez Park every week. They've grown accustomed to seeing tents at the park, but say in recent months, the situation has gotten out of control.
“I'm witnessing people taking showers naked in the restroom. I am witnessing them drinking, doing drugs, smoking, arguing between them as couples, you know, in front of all the kids," said Flores.
Flores says the bathrooms have flooded due to toilets overflowing and there's often trash left on the field.
Arturo Herrera shares those same concerns. He's one of the soccer coaches at the park and has a grandson who also plays here. Herrera and Flores told CBS 8 they've complained to the city several times, yet nothing's been done to stop it.
"We understand the situation, but they have to do something," said Herrera.
While at the park, CBS 8 saw dozens of people, including many small children. Their parents were eager to talk and said living there was their only option.
One woman from Venezuela named Patricia pointed out a tent where she has slept with her husband and seven-year-old son for the past 10 days. The woman and others CBS 8 spoke to said they left their native countries because it wasn't safe.
They said when they arrived at the Mexico border, they were allowed in to seek asylum, then dropped off at a bus station, with no guidance and nowhere to go.
Patricia says she needs more help. When asked about what neighbors say they've witnessed, she and others told CBS 8 they keep to themselves and maintain clean areas.
Port of San Diego statement
The park is under the jurisdiction of the Port of San Diego.
In a statement, a spokesperson said:
We hear and share the community’s concerns about this challenging issue, and our response is to approach it with as much compassion and humanity as we can. At the same time and as the issue grows, we recognize that, while complicated and sensitive, it is our responsibility to park users, including residents in Barrio Logan and surrounding communities, to protect public access and use of the park as well as public health and public safety.
As we discuss and consider next steps, it’s important to note that the encampment in Cesar Chavez Park is made up mostly of families, and the park is not equipped to safely and sanitarily house anyone. It’s in that context that we have reached out to local providers and public agency partners to inquire about shelter availability and have shared information about various services and resources that may be available to the individuals and families – many have and are utilizing them. Others have declined for various reasons.
As we move forward, we will begin enforcing park rules and regulations to help restore public access to the park. In alignment with Executive Order issued by California Governor Gavin Newsom on July 25, 2024 (details at gov.ca.gov), our Harbor Police Homeless Outreach Team will begin informing those camping in the park that they may be in violation of one or more sections of the San Diego Unified Port District Code regarding park hours, erection of tents and other shelters in Port parks, and camping and storage of personal items and property. We will also again provide information for available resources. After notices are issued and individuals have had opportunity to leave, those who remain in the park in violation of one or more sections of the Port code may be issued a criminal citation or arrested. Additional steps in the future could include clearing the encampment after providing adequate notice and opportunity to remove or retrieve belongings in compliance with applicable law.
We believe this approach is a balanced one, is in alignment with our regular practices when contacting those experiencing homelessness on our bayfront, is in alignment with state law, and provides opportunities for affected individuals to seek available services and leave the park. – Port of San Diego
“I just hope that we're heard, that they come, that they give them a place, a safe place for them and for their children to live, but not in public areas,” said Flores.
WATCH RELATED: Report: Migrant family separations continuing at the U.S.-MX border