In response to an increasing number of homeless and migrant families seeking shelter at Logan International Airport, a new prohibition will be implemented on Tuesday night. The decision comes as Massachusetts faces a capacity crunch in its shelter system and a rise in new immigrants coming to the state. Many of these families have endured arduous journeys, fleeing violence and economic instability in Haiti.

Last year, Governor Maura Healey placed a cap on the state's emergency shelter system due to space and cost constraints. As a result, Logan Airport became a de facto shelter for dozens of families. However, the state now aims to put an end to this situation. The Emergency Assistance Director, Scott Rice, stated that "the airport is not an appropriate place for people to seek shelter."

To address the issue, teams from the Healey administration have been assisting families in relocating from Logan Airport to a new overflow shelter in Norfolk. On Sunday night, 56 people were reported to have slept at the airport, a significant decrease from the 288 individuals staying there just two weeks prior.

Despite these efforts, advocates are concerned about the families who still remain at Logan Airport and what will happen to those who leave without an alternative place to stay. The emergency shelter system now has a limit of 7,500 families, and beds at overflow sites may not always be available immediately.

Kelly Turley, Associate Director of the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, emphasized the need to ensure that alternative resources are adequately available before closing off avenues like Logan Airport. Turley called for a better long-term plan to address family homelessness and support newly arriving immigrants.

Although Governor Healey has not outlined specific enforcement measures for the ban at Logan, state police and social workers will be present to direct families to alternative options. Furthermore, the Massachusetts Port Authority, which operates Logan Airport, will assist in identifying and communicating with migrants upon their arrival.

Massport Director of Media Relations, Jennifer Mehigan, assured that the state will provide staff on-site to inform families of the new policy and available options. Efforts will be made to secure transportation to other locations where families have relatives or other safe accommodations.

In a recent trip to the southern border with Mexico, a delegation of high-level state officials was sent by Governor Healey. Their message to migrants was clear: "do not come to Massachusetts if you expect housing."

As the ban on sleeping at Logan Airport takes effect, concerns remain over the fate of homeless and migrant families. Advocacy groups are urging the state to devise a comprehensive and sustainable plan to address the ongoing challenges of family homelessness and support for newly arriving immigrants.