**Municipal Authorities Do Not Rule Out Trafficking Networks Behind Children Asking for Money**
Tijuana – The Municipal Welfare Department is not ruling out the possibility of human trafficking networks exploiting children who work on the streets. Gerardo López Montes, head of the department, stated that some of these minors are often accompanied by adults with no familial ties.
Recently, two children soliciting money at a city intersection were taken to the DIF (National System for Integral Family Development) after the adult accompanying them failed to prove a relationship. López Montes indicated that there are suspicions of more trafficking cases at the International Line, prompting requests for aid from the State General Prosecutor’s Office.
“We perceive a significant challenge at the border, where we’ve observed unaccompanied children with unrelated adults soliciting money,” López Montes remarked. Through the “No More Kids on the Streets” program, authorities have attended and removed 179 children, but many return to their previous locations.
The rise in these cases continues to be a growing concern, requiring coordinated efforts between local and state agencies to address and potentially dismantle any trafficking networks involved.
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**Secondary Article: Instances of Child Labor and Potential Trafficking Persist in Cities Across the Border**
In a related concern, another border city has reported similar instances of minors engaging in street begging, with possible links to organized trafficking. Local officials in the area are similarly stepping up efforts to investigate and combat these activities, working closely with federal agencies and community organizations.
Increased surveillance at key intersections and transportation hubs has led to the identification of several suspects believed to be involved in coordinating these operations. Measures are being undertaken to provide protective services for affected children, emphasizing the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to prevent exploitation.
Authorities urge residents to report any suspicious activities involving children to ensure swift action and the safety of the community’s most vulnerable.