Once a vibrant entry point for migrants seeking passage into the United States, Tijuana is now facing a stark decrease in its migrant population, reflecting broader immigration trends and recent enforcement measures.
Tijuana's Transformation: A Once-Bustling Migrant Hub Now Largely Abandoned
Tijuana's Transformation: A Once-Bustling Migrant Hub Now Largely Abandoned
Tijuana, Mexico, has experienced a dramatic decline in migrant numbers, with many shelters and parks that once housed immigrants now notably empty.
In a striking transformation, Tijuana, Mexico, known for its role as a bridge for migrants heading to Southern California, has seen a considerable reduction in the number of people seeking refuge there. Historically, the city teemed with individuals living in shelters, clustered in parks, and forming lines for asylum appointments. Today, however, the scene is drastically different.
Just last week, the areas where migrants used to gather now sit eerily deserted. Only five individuals waited at the Mexico side of a once-busy border crossing. “People aren’t coming here,” stated Lenis Mojica, a 49-year-old Venezuelan migrant who has been in a local shelter since January. “Everyone has left. No one else has arrived.”
This substantial decline in migrant presence can be linked to broader immigration policies and societal changes. Data indicates a significant drop in apprehensions at the U.S.-Mexico border; U.S. border agents reported apprehending approximately 8,383 individuals in April, a staggering decrease from 129,000 just a year earlier. The slowing numbers reflect a continuation of a trend that began prior to the inauguration of President Trump, who has since intensified efforts to curb immigration.
Local reports from other Mexican border cities indicate that Tijuana is not alone in this decline. Throughout the region, shelters are experiencing reduced occupancy, leaving many facilities to operate in diminished capacity. In many cases, the absence of migrants has left the once-bustling streets of Tijuana quiet, with the only sounds coming from ongoing road construction projects.
This transformation in Tijuana serves as a reminder of the ongoing complexities and rapidly shifting dynamics within immigration patterns along the U.S.-Mexico border. As policies evolve, so too do the realities for those seeking a safe haven across the border.
Just last week, the areas where migrants used to gather now sit eerily deserted. Only five individuals waited at the Mexico side of a once-busy border crossing. “People aren’t coming here,” stated Lenis Mojica, a 49-year-old Venezuelan migrant who has been in a local shelter since January. “Everyone has left. No one else has arrived.”
This substantial decline in migrant presence can be linked to broader immigration policies and societal changes. Data indicates a significant drop in apprehensions at the U.S.-Mexico border; U.S. border agents reported apprehending approximately 8,383 individuals in April, a staggering decrease from 129,000 just a year earlier. The slowing numbers reflect a continuation of a trend that began prior to the inauguration of President Trump, who has since intensified efforts to curb immigration.
Local reports from other Mexican border cities indicate that Tijuana is not alone in this decline. Throughout the region, shelters are experiencing reduced occupancy, leaving many facilities to operate in diminished capacity. In many cases, the absence of migrants has left the once-bustling streets of Tijuana quiet, with the only sounds coming from ongoing road construction projects.
This transformation in Tijuana serves as a reminder of the ongoing complexities and rapidly shifting dynamics within immigration patterns along the U.S.-Mexico border. As policies evolve, so too do the realities for those seeking a safe haven across the border.
