**Tijuana City Council Develops Plan to Rescue Exploited Minors from Streets**
The mayor of Tijuana has announced a new initiative aimed at rescuing minors who are being exploited on the city’s streets. During a recent morning briefing, the mayor, Ismael Burgueño Ruiz, detailed the legal framework being developed by the city’s Legal Counsel to empower the Municipal DIF (Integral Family Development) to act in such cases currently overseen by the State Government.
Mayor Burgueño Ruiz emphasized the urgency of giving the Municipal DIF the necessary powers to intervene, as highlighted by the collapse of a previous program designed to address this issue. The “No More Children in the Street” initiative was halted during the municipal transition period, leaving many children to continue performing street acts, selling small items, or begging.
The mayor stated, “We are in the process of finalizing a legal project that will soon be announced. This will enable us to coordinate better with the state government and potentially amend any regulations or laws necessary to support this cause.”
While the Municipal DIF does not currently have the authority to shelter these minors, the Municipal Police do have the ability to assist and escort them to the state’s care facilities. However, in the month since the new administration began, no such actions have been reported.
Data from the State DIF indicates that between 2021 and the first quarter of 2024, 31 minors from Tijuana were placed in shelters due to child labor exploitation.
**Related News: Tijuana Leads in Child Exploitation and Trafficking in Baja California**
Recent reports have highlighted Tijuana as the leading city in the state for child exploitation and trafficking cases. Despite increased awareness and sporadic crackdowns, the city continues to struggle with systemic issues that contribute to this disturbing trend.
Efforts are underway at both the municipal and state levels to address these challenges, though progress has been slow. Advocates stress the need for more robust social services and extensive collaboration between local governments and non-governmental organizations to establish long-term solutions and support systems for affected children.
As Tijuana works toward improving its social and legal infrastructures, it’s clear that ongoing vigilance and advocacy are needed to mitigate the exploitation of minors in the area.