Tijuana declares state of emergency as it braces for mass deportations under Trump
By avagrace // 2025-01-21
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  • Tijuana declared a state of emergency to prepare for potential mass deportations under a second Trump administration, fearing a significant influx of deportees.
  • The city is allocating funds for housing, security and legal services to support thousands of deportees and ensure their dignified treatment.
  • Plans include opening a shelter for up to 10,000 people, with expansion capacity to 30,000, and leasing industrial buildings to prevent public space overcrowding.
  • The effort involves collaboration between Tijuana, Baja California and the Mexican federal government, with new shelters and federal deportation plans in place.
  • Mexico is enhancing support for deportees through increased consular staff, a 24-hour call center and a smartphone app to help them reconnect with families and access resources.
The Mexican city of Tijuana, on the country's northwestern border with the United States, has declared a state of emergency in anticipation of a potential wave of deportations under President Donald Trump's second administration. The move, unanimously approved by the Tijuana City Council, underscores the growing concern over Trump's promise to carry out the largest mass deportation operation in the history of the United States. Tijuana, a bustling border city just 20 miles south of San Diego, is no stranger to migration challenges. However, the scale of what may come has prompted local officials to act swiftly. The emergency declaration allows the city to allocate funds for housing, security, legal services, and other necessities to accommodate what could be thousands of deportees arriving in a short period. (Related: House passes bill targeting DEPORTATION of illegal immigrants convicted of violent crimes against women and children.) Mayor Ismael Burgueno emphasized the city’s commitment to treating deportees with dignity and respect for their human rights. "We want to ensure that those who return to Mexico feel protected and supported as they reintegrate into society," he said. The city is also working to avoid the chaotic scenes of past migrant surges, such as the street encampments that emerged in 2018 and the subsequent migration waves on 2021 and 2022. To prepare, Tijuana has announced plans to open a shelter capable of housing up to 10,000 people, with the potential to expand to 30,000 if needed. The city is also considering leasing an industrial building in southern Tijuana to serve as a temporary shelter, ensuring that public spaces remain accessible to residents.

Baja California speeding up preparations to receive migrants

The emergency declaration is not just a local effort. It is part of a broader collaboration between Tijuana, the state of Baja California, and the Mexican federal government. Baja California Gov. Marina del Pilar Avila has announced the opening of new shelters in Tijuana and Mexicali, while Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has assured the public that federal plans to handle deportations are "ready." However, the situation is fraught with uncertainty. While Trump has vowed to prioritize the deportation of illegal immigrants, the specifics of his plan – including how many people will be deported and how quickly – remain unclear. What is clear is that Tijuana, as a primary border city, will bear the brunt of this policy shift. For Mexico, the sudden return of thousands of citizens – many of whom have spent years or even decades in the U.S. – presents a logistical and humanitarian challenge. Mexico's federal government has taken steps to mitigate the impact, including increasing consular staff, launching a 24-hour call center and developing a smartphone app to assist deportees in contacting their families and local consulates. These measures aim to provide support and guidance to those navigating the deportation process. Watch this Fox News clip about what the National Border Patrol Council expects from Trump regarding immigration. This video is from the NewsClips channel at Brighteon.com.

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Republican lawmakers push to reinstate "Remain in Mexico" policy. Trump's bold plan: Military deployment and mass deportations to secure the border. Biden shields nearly 1 million migrants who invaded the U.S. from deportation, including gang affiliates. Fearing tariffs, Mexico scrambling to disperse migrant caravans ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration. Mexican President Sheinbaum relents, now ready to receive Mexican nationals deported by Trump. Sources include:  TheEpochTimes.com SanDiegoUnionTribune.com MexicoNewsDaily.com Brighteon.com
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