**Rising Deportations of Families Entering the U.S. Illegally**
Deportations of families attempting to cross into the United States illegally have surged in recent months, according to José María García Lara, director of the Movimiento Juventud 2000 shelter. Data from the Migration Policy Unit of the Mexican government’s Secretariat of the Interior highlights that from January to August, there were 31,089 returns through Baja California alone. The Chaparral border crossing in Tijuana accounted for the majority, with 26,894 deportations, including 19,433 minors.
García Lara mentions that entire families, often including spouses, are deported almost immediately after crossing illegally. These families, primarily Mexican nationals, have been seeking shelter upon their return. While some attempt to quickly return to their places of origin, others choose to remain in Tijuana.
In a recent meeting with the National Institute of Migration (INM) officials, García Lara was informed of available financial aid to help these families return to their hometowns. This aid is distributed at the INM migration station in the Esmeralda neighborhood, beginning at 7 a.m.
Last week, Jorge Alejandro Palau Hernández, head of the INM in Baja California, met with various shelter directors in Tijuana. During this meeting, he expressed the organization’s willingness to assist in resolving the pressing challenges faced by these shelters and the migrants they support. One proposed initiative involves creating a space in the Esmeralda migration station for civil society organizations to conduct workshops to assist migrants.
García Lara acknowledged the cooperation and openness demonstrated by the INM leadership, highlighting the importance of providing legal advice and other forms of support to those in transit.
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**Additional Insights: Increased Border Patrolling Amid Rising Migrant Crossings**
In light of the escalating number of illegal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border, the U.S. government has ramped up its patrolling efforts. This initiative aims to curtail the influx of migrants attempting to cross without proper documentation amidst a backdrop of tightening immigration policies.
This increase in enforcement coincides with heightened migrant activity, driven by various factors including economic hardship and violence in their home countries. Humanitarian organizations along the border have reported a significant rise in the number of individuals and families seeking assistance after being turned back.
The pressure on both local governments and migrant support networks is mounting, as they strive to manage the surge of returning families while juggling existing demands. The situation has sparked calls for enhanced international cooperation to address root causes and improve infrastructure to handle such humanitarian challenges.
For more in-depth updates on immigration issues and border developments, stay tuned to further reports on this dynamic situation.