Mayor Ismael Burgueño of Tijuana recently chaired a meeting with representatives from the National Institute of Migration (INM) and National Guard authorities aiming to discuss measures aimed at ensuring security and expediting border crossings through the implementation of strategic filters.

During the meeting, the mayor emphasized the goal of establishing a national model for coordination, where each authority takes actions within their scope to improve security and foster trust with U.S. authorities. This trust, he noted, would provide greater certainty regarding border crossing protocols, while also bolstering the overall mobility framework.

Tijuana’s Secretary of Economic Development, Pedro Alejandro Montejo Peterson, highlighted the ongoing coordination with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) since the start of the current administration. He pointed out that one of the key issues has been the increase in unauthorized crossings by migrants seeking humanitarian visas, which has forced CBP to allocate a significant number of agents to initial screening. This, in turn, has limited the number of open booths, resulting in longer wait times.

Mayor Burgueño stressed the significance of this initiative, noting that it aims to achieve tangible improvements in both border security and the efficiency of border crossings through the newly proposed filters.

"Our municipal policy prioritizes the opening of additional booths to improve mobility and reduce travel times to San Diego,” the mayor explained. “However, ensuring the safety of all citizens, particularly during the busy holiday season, is equally essential.”

During his speech, Commissioner Héctor Jiménez Báez, State Coordinator of the National Guard in Baja California, highlighted the importance of borders, as they are a crucial driving force for the everyday economy. Through these filters, he claimed, great results will be obtained. "Undocumented migrants are an important issue for the United States, and the best way for us to cooperate is that each party does what they must: they do their part and we do ours," he explained.

The filters are scheduled to be implemented in December during strategic hours at the San Ysidro and the Otay Ports of Entry. The effort will involve municipal police officers, National Guard personnel, and INM staff.

Jorge Alejandro Palau Hernández, representing the INM, emphasized the importance of mutual support and cooperation, with each organization playing its part to ensure legality and certainty at the border.

Also present at the meeting were Arnulfo Guerrero León, Secretary of the Municipal Government; Teresita de Jesús Balderas Beltrán, Municipal Solicitor; Juan Manuel Sánchez Rosales, Secretary of Security and Municipal Citizen Protection; and Alberto Plasencia Gómez and Alejandro Salinas Díez from the INM.

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