**Primary Article: Calls for Return of Federal Funding to Shelters**
Due to the rising demand for migrant assistance in Tijuana, the Municipal Directorate for Migrant Attention (DMAM) is advocating for the reinstatement of federal funds previously allocated to shelters that aid individuals in transit. José Luis Pérez Canchola, the director of DMAM, highlighted the critical conditions faced by these shelters, where over 5,000 migrants are already being housed. He emphasized that without increased support, many people are left sleeping on floors and relying on whatever food donations come their way.
Pérez Canchola pointed out that these vital facilities currently survive through the support of civil society organizations, footing the bills for food, water, electricity, and gas. He argued that ensuring the wellbeing of migrants should be a government responsibility, not solely left to non-profit groups. The director recalled that a specific federal fund for migration, which was phased out years ago, is crucial for supporting these shelters and plans to address this issue with Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo during her upcoming visit to Baja California.
He stressed that unresolved issues in migrants’ home regions, like violence and gang recruitment, persist as underlying causes of internal displacement, with significant numbers traveling from Chiapas and Michoacán. As part of the upcoming discussions, local officials plan to urge solutions to these root causes of migration.
**Secondary Article: Rise in Asylum Queries Linked to US Political Climate**
Imminent political shifts in the United States have prompted a 30% increase in requests for humanitarian asylum advice from migrants, as experts warn of potential policy changes tied to the U.S. presidential race, particularly under the possibility of Donald Trump’s return to power.
Local activists and immigration lawyers in Tijuana report heightened anxieties among migrant communities, fueled by concerns over future restrictive measures on asylum applications. Many who had previously delayed their migration plans are now urgently seeking assistance, aiming to secure entry before any new regulations come into play.
Additionally, the region’s shelters are experiencing strain as deportation numbers rise, exacerbating the need for expanded resources and federal backing to manage the influx of displaced individuals seeking refuge along the border. The humanitarian needs underscore the broader impact of cross-border policy decisions on migrant communities in Mexico.