**Polleros Target Migrants at Tijuana Airport and Bus Station**
Reports indicate smugglers, known locally as “polleros,” are searching for migrants at both Tijuana International Airport and the Central Bus Station. José Luis Pérez Canchola, head of the Municipal Directorate of Migrant Attention (DMAM), highlights these allegations, pointing out that some migrants suggest taxi drivers are involved in steering them towards these human traffickers.
Pérez Canchola explained, “At the Bus Station, they recruit and promise what used to be possible – crossing the border and seeking asylum. However, due to recent changes, this is no longer the case. Migrants are now detained and sent back.”
He also shared that migrants, particularly from Honduras, recently reported being sold out by taxi drivers and ending up with polleros. “We have testimonies from migrant shelters that taxi drivers deceive them, and when their crossing attempts fail, they end up returning to shelters,” Pérez Canchola added.
Human traffickers charge between $500 to $3,000 for their services, varying from simple crossings to reaching Los Angeles. Unlike two decades ago when payments were made upon arrival at the destination, polleros now demand upfront payments, a shift leading to increased scams.
Pérez Canchola stressed the importance of coordination between municipal, state, and federal governments to ensure proper resources reach shelters aiding migrants.
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**Related News: Increased Tensions Over Migrant Smuggling in Tecate**
In recent developments, tensions have flared as suspected polleros and migrants clashed with the National Guard in Tecate. This incident highlights the ongoing issues in the region surrounding irregular migration attempts. Officials emphasize the need for heightened security and strategic measures to curtail illegal crossing activities.
Meanwhile, efforts by advocacy groups are pushing for legal assurance for migrants seeking asylum in Mexico. The cessation of Temporary Visitor Permit renewals in 2024 has forced many migrants to abandon formal employment, heightening the need for immediate governmental action.
As the migrant crisis continues, Baja California’s shelters reveal they are prepared to receive any incoming “Migrant Caravan,” aiming to manage the situation without causing alarm.