Understanding the Border Officials Causing Fear Among Migrants - They Are Not from the U.S.
Discover how Mexico is implementing fresh strategies, from fortifying barriers to implementing round-the-clock desert surveillance, to reduce illegal border crossings.
The rust-colored barrier stands tall against the clear blue sky, marking the border between Mexico and the United States. However, it comes to a halt when the rough terrain turns into a mountain or when a large boulder blocks the path.
These are the areas familiar to human smugglers, who use vans to bring migrants, show them the gaps in the barrier, instruct them to head north, and advise them to call 911 if they cannot locate US Border Patrol officers to surrender to.
A few months ago, hundreds of people would pass through every day, often ending up in the backyards of Americans near San Diego. They could do little but show them the way forward.
Where the border wall stops, smugglers see opportunity.
Where the border wall stops, smugglers see opportunity.
Evelio Contreras/CNN
Now, patrols from the Mexican Army, National Guard, and immigration officers are working together to prevent migrants from reaching the US. This joint effort is making a difference, as noted by David Pérez Tejada from Mexico’s Migration National Institute. He mentioned that the numbers of irregular crossings have decreased significantly. In December and January, there were around 1,600 per day, but now it has dropped to about 800 or 900 daily.
With presidential elections in both the US and Mexico this year, immigration and security are top concerns for citizens. This progress could be seen as a positive development by either government, and opponents may use any increase in numbers to their advantage.
Tents at the border wall become temporary homes for those sent to patrol then land around Ejido Jacumé.
Tents at the border wall become temporary homes for those sent to patrol then land around Ejido Jacumé.
Evelio Contreras/CNN
Striking differences
Increased patrols are visible on the Mexican side of the border wall both in urban, congested areas of Tijuana, and inland, amid the scrub and boulders of Ejido Jacumé.
When officers in Baja California find migrants, they detain them and call it a "rescue." On the US California side, migrants willingly approach border agents, eager to start asylum proceedings. But, the situation is different here.
These people were stopped before they reached the Mexico-US border, officials said.
These people were stopped before they reached the Mexico-US border, officials said.
The migrants are trying to avoid the Mexican authorities because they fear being taken to Tijuana. From there, they could be transported hundreds of miles to Mexico's southern border for deportation if they are found to be in the country illegally.
CNN observed a group of mainly men, along with a few women and children, being detained near a gap in the border wall close to Ejido Jacumé. One migrant shared that he was forced to surrender to Mexican authorities before attempting to cross into the US.
The migrants will be taken first to Tijuana and then likely to Mexico's southern border for processing and deportation.
The migrants will be taken first to Tijuana and then likely to Mexico's southern border for processing and deportation.
Evelio Contreras/CNN
The officer securely holds the phones and passports of the travelers as they board a van heading to the city.
Nearby, camps have been set up with large white tents, portable toilets, and wash stations for patrols to rest during their 72-hour rotations through the desert.
“We need to prevent them from entering the US where there are gaps,” Pérez Tejada emphasized.
The chosen locations consider the ongoing communication across the border. Officials from Baja California in Mexico and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are in constant contact, exchanging messages about wall damages and migrant sightings.
A sign of this is how fresh holes cut through fences in Tijuana are now covered by even fresher patches, and watched over by a guardsman.
Spikes and lookouts
The gangs guiding migrants to more accessible crossing points have also altered their strategies.
Spikes have been scattered along the dusty dirt roads leading to the border area, posing a threat to puncture tires and create obstacles for law enforcement.
Pérez Tejada mentions that there are lookouts positioned all around, ready to alert when the patrols have passed and it is safe to proceed. According to him, it is a constantly changing situation for both sides.
He added, "We adjust our strategy on a weekly basis based on data, information sharing with US authorities, and overall figures. This helps us decide on the best course of action."
Mexico is working to secure its borders. This is important to prevent migrants from coming into contact with criminal groups. We want to keep them away from dangerous areas where people risk their lives trying to cross.
Officials on both sides of the border let each other know when repairs are needed or where patrols could be stationed.
Officials on both sides of the border let each other know when repairs are needed or where patrols could be stationed.
Evelio Contreras/CNN
Pressure from Washington and Mexico City
After US President Joe Biden urged Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to take action last December, desert camps and constant patrols were set up. The two leaders agreed that more enforcement actions were necessary, as mentioned by National Security Council spokesman John Kirby during a call between them.
Following this, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, White House Homeland Security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall, and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Majorkas held meetings with senior officials in Mexico City to discuss the migrant challenge.
Members of the Mexican Army and National Guard rotate through 72-hour shifts in the patrol camps.
Members of the Mexican Army and National Guard rotate through 72-hour shifts in the patrol camps.
Evelio Contreras/CNN
Any solution will have to involve both federal governments, Mexican migration official Pérez Tejada said.
"This is a matter that needs to be addressed by both the US and Mexico – that's the key," he mentioned. "It requires a thorough and serious discussion between both Congresses to figure out the actual reform that is necessary."
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Riding the ‘train of death’
An underground industry is aiding Chinese migrants in reaching the US border. Currently, Mexican authorities are promoting the use of the US government's CBP One app to assist asylum seekers. By using the app, they can schedule an asylum interview which can grant them legal entry into the US for processing.
Grupo Beta, a government agency that helps migrants, now screens up to 500 people daily who are seeking asylum. They make sure these individuals have confirmed appointments and all required documents, which helps lessen the burden on the US side.
Some families opt not to pay smugglers and instead wait for an appointment with CBP. On the other hand, there are those who are eager to reach the US as soon as possible.
Immigration experts have noted that rising violence in certain areas of Mexico is pushing people to migrate northward. They have also criticized the CBP app for making asylum seekers wait in unsafe and overcrowded conditions.
Meanwhile, unauthorized individuals, including men, women, and children, continue to enter the US. Recently, a group of newly arrived travelers was spotted walking on the US side. Officials suspect that they were brought by smugglers to a wealthier neighborhood, away from border guards, and provided with ladders to climb over the wall.
The average time for such an entry, depending a little on the group size, the officials said, is now just 1 minute and 20 seconds.
CNN’s Priscilla Alvarez contributed to this story.
Editor's P/S:
The article highlights the ongoing struggle at the Mexico-US border, where human smugglers exploit gaps in the border wall to facilitate illegal crossings. The Mexican government's efforts to curb this activity, with increased patrols and collaboration with US authorities, have reduced the number of irregular crossings. However, the situation remains fluid, with smugglers adapting their tactics and migrants facing potential risks and exploitation.
The article also underscores the need for a comprehensive solution involving both the US and Mexico. The use of the CBP One app and the assistance provided by Grupo Beta are positive steps, but addressing the root causes of migration, such as violence and economic disparities, is crucial. Additionally, improving the asylum process and providing safe and humane conditions for those seeking refuge are essential for ensuring the protection of vulnerable individuals.
