### Increase in Irregular Crossing of Used Cars into Mexico; 3,200 Cars Seized at Tijuana Customs
In recent months, there has been a notable increase in the irregular crossing of used vehicles from the United States into Mexico through the border crossings at Tijuana, namely Chaparral and Otay. This surge coincides with the period when the decree for definitive importation was temporarily not in effect.
Colonel Alejandro Robles Segura, Tijuana Customs Administrator, reported that within the past two weeks, 70 vehicles were seized, a significant rise compared to the usual 15 vehicles. Currently, there are about 3,200 cars held at Tijuana Customs undergoing administrative processes due to a lack of documentation proving their legal entry into Mexico. These vehicles are expected to become property of the state and subsequently transferred to the Institute for Returning Stolen Goods to the People.
Robles Segura emphasized that on an average day, 20,000 vehicles pass through the Otay crossing and around 50,000 through Chaparral. Of these, a substantial number have the potential to be resold, suggesting an ongoing issue with the smuggling of used cars into Mexico. However, he dismissed the possibility of organized crime syndicates being behind these irregular entries, instead pointing out that individuals often conduct this as a business. Many have dual nationality or U.S. citizenship, allowing them to purchase cheap cars in the U.S. and attempt to bring them into Mexico.
If Mexican nationals are caught driving these vehicles without proper documentation, they face fines and their cars are seized. For those with ties to the U.S., vehicles are returned since they can’t be issued a fiscal credit as foreigners. Additionally, vehicles regularized under the “chocolate cars” decree in Mexico have been seized if they had a theft report in the U.S. or were brought to Mexico post-2021. The decree specifically applies to vehicles brought into the country before 2021.
### Secondary Article: Stricter Measures and Rising Penalties for Irregular Vehicle Imports
In response to the surge in irregular vehicle movements, Mexican border authorities are tightening enforcement at key crossings. Customs have intensified inspections, focusing on vehicles with questionable documentation and origins. This clampdown aligns with federal efforts to streamline vehicle importation laws, aiming to curb informal trade practices.
Across other border states, similar patterns of irregular crossings have been noted, prompting regional authorities to join national strategies targeting illegal vehicle imports, which often evade local taxation. This coordination may lead to stricter penalties and more rigorous vehicle registration processes. In particular, there has been discussion about leveraging technology to enhance monitoring capabilities at border points, ensuring better compliance with import regulations.
The Mexican government emphasizes these efforts align with broader economic goals, aiming to balance trade dynamics while protecting the domestic automotive market from unchecked foreign competition. As policies evolve, affected communities and traders are encouraged to formalize their operations to ensure compliance with new regulations.
These crackdowns are expected to continue as Mexico navigates the complexities of border trade, influence from the U.S. automotive market, and local economic pressures to stabilize its vehicle import systems.