El Paso County proclaims Sept. 12'025 as Welcoming Week; local NGOs and faith groups speak at court

The El Paso County Commissioners Court voted to adopt a resolution designating Sept. 12through Sept. 20, 2025, as Welcoming Week and invited residents to community events celebrating inclusion and immigrant stories.

Commissioner Olguin introduced the resolution and read its findings, emphasizing El Pasoas a binational, bicultural community. Community-service leaders and nonprofit representatives addressed the court in support of the proclamation, explaining local programs and events.

Speakers and remarks: Lola Okenola, senior regional manager for Welcoming America, noted that Welcoming Week "is a global movement" and told the court "each story... adds to the beautiful and diverse fabric of this community." Imelda Maynard, legal director at Estrella del Paso, urged continued legal services for newcomers, saying, "the need for legal services in our area is more urgent than ever." Jesuit Refugee Services and other local groups described citizenship classes, community open houses and cultural events planned for the week.

Why it matters: The resolution is a ceremonial county proclamation but signals county support for programs that serve immigrants, refugees and newcomers, and it highlights collaborations among the Office of New Americans, local nonprofits and national partners.

Court action: Commissioner Olguin moved approval and Judge Samaniego seconded; the motion carried unanimously. County staff and community partners announced a schedule of events and public information sessions, including virtual citizenship classes and local screenings.

Organizers said printed materials (a community cookbook of recipes) and an event schedule are available at the Office of New Americans and online.