As President Donald Trump prepares for mass deportations of undocumented migrants in the U.S., shelters across the Mexican border are bracing for a potential influx of deportees.
In response, Tijuana, Mexico’s second-largest city and a key hub for migrants, declared a state of emergency on January 20 to secure additional funding for housing deported individuals, according to reports.
While Tijuana’s mayor emphasized that the emergency declaration is precautionary rather than a sign of alarm, the city is preparing for the possibility of Trump effectively carrying out his deportation plans.
The city, home to over 30 migrant shelters, is a frequent destination for those seeking to cross into the U.S.
In 2023, more than 100,000 migrants used the CBP One app, introduced by the Biden administration, to schedule asylum appointments at border crossings like Tijuana. However, on his first day in office, President Trump signed an executive order discontinuing the app’s use.
Tijuana is also a major crossing point for trade and travel, with the San Ysidro Port of Entry, one of the world’s busiest border crossings, connecting it to southern San Diego.
In 2023 alone, it recorded over 15 million vehicle crossings and more than 6 million pedestrian crossings.
