**Tijuana Government Initiates Project to Rescue Exploited Minors from City Streets**
The mayor of Tijuana, Ismael Burgueño Ruiz, announced during a recent morning conference that a new legal initiative is underway to address the troubling issue of minors exploited in the city’s streets. This project is being developed by the city’s Legal Advisory Department to empower the Municipal DIF (Office for the Integral Development of the Family) with the authority to rescue children subjected to street exploitation.
Currently, this responsibility falls under the jurisdiction of the State Government. Mayor Burgueño Ruiz explained, “We have a legal project that we will soon reveal. The Municipal DIF lacks the authority to bring children in and care for them; it’s a state-level issue. We are working with our Legal Advisory Department to gain these powers and support coordination with the State Government.”
This initiative responds to concerns over the absence of a current administration plan to address exploited minors. The previous administration’s program, “No More Children on the Streets,” which was implemented by former mayor Montserrat Caballero Ramírez, was discontinued during the transition on September 17. Since then, children have returned to city streets, performing, selling gum, and begging, often accompanied by adults.
Burgueño Ruiz stated, “We are preparing to present this legal project. If it necessitates amending any regulation or law, we will propose those changes. This is a priority issue for us.” However, no specific date for the project’s unveiling was mentioned.
Despite the Municipal DIF not having the authority to safeguard minors, this responsibility falls to SDIF Estatal. The Municipal Police are empowered to assist minors and transfer them to state dependency, though this has not yet occurred one month into the current administration. Between 2021 and early 2024, the SDIF revealed that they sheltered 31 minors from Tijuana due to child labor exploitation.
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**Secondary Article: Growing Concerns Over Child Exploitation in Tijuana**
In recent developments, concerns over child exploitation in Tijuana have intensified, highlighting the urgent need for effective interventions. Reports have surfaced that Tijuana ranks first in child exploitation and trafficking cases in Baja California, according to local authorities. This has spurred calls from advocacy groups for immediate action from both local and state governments.
Child welfare advocates argue that current measures are insufficient to combat the pervasive issue, emphasizing the need for comprehensive social programs and increased law enforcement collaboration. The state government is under pressure to implement sustainable solutions and provide adequate resources to protect minors.
In response, several non-profit organizations in Tijuana are ramping up efforts to offer shelter and educational opportunities for rescued children, despite limited resources. The community remains hopeful that concerted public and private initiatives can reduce the incidence of exploitation and provide these children with safer futures.
As awareness grows, citizens are urged to report any suspected cases of child exploitation, emphasizing community involvement as a crucial component in protecting vulnerable minors. This heightened attention reflects a broader commitment to ending child exploitation in Tijuana and beyond.