MEMPHIS, TN (localmemphis.com)--The U.S. border crisis is hitting close to home for residents in Tennessee.
Tens of thousands of unaccompanied immigrant children have crossed into the U.S. via Mexico from Central America. Almost 800 of those children have landed in Tennessee.
Friday, Governor Haslam sent President Obama a letter asking why his administration wan't told about the transfer of those children.
Now, many in our area want to know where these children are.
Local 24 News investigative reporter Jeni DiPrizio worked the phones all day Monday and found that it is nearly impossible to find out where the immigrant children are staying. All she was told is that the children are staying with sponsors.
While Tennessee lawmakers are trying to get more information about where they are located, what we do know is since January 1st, Tennessee has received 760 children, 179 have been taken to Mississippi and 166 to Arkansas.
There are a lot of rumors floating around social media, like the children are being housed in closed Tunica casinos. We have not found any truth to that claim.
Most of the children are staying with a sponsor who is either a parent, relative or family friend.
Local 24 was told that a Memphis refugee program is working with church groups and organizations trying to see what could be done to accommodate children if need be. Senator Mark Norris told us that he is checking with the the Department of Homeland Security and the Governor Haslam's office everyday for new information.