### Tijuana City Council Seeks Legal Amendments to Protect Children at Intersections
The Tijuana city government is taking steps to address the issue of minors engaged in begging and selling activities at the city’s intersections and traffic lights. Mayor Ismael Burgueño Ruiz has announced that a legal framework is being developed to allow local authorities to intervene and support these children, addressing a longstanding concern in the community.
Currently, the Municipal System for the Integral Development of the Family (DIF) lacks the legal authority to address this issue, as it falls under state jurisdiction. Mayor Burgueño is working alongside the Municipal Council to establish the necessary legal competencies that would enable the city to coordinate efforts with the state government to tackle child labor in public spaces more effectively.
An estimated 1,200 minors, aged between 6 and 12, are involved in these activities, according to the civil association “Vamos a Jugar.” The organization highlights the vulnerability of children living in Tijuana’s eastern areas, where economic hardship makes them susceptible to exploitation. The association reports that 49% of these children are girls, while the remaining are boys.
Mayor Burgueño emphasized the necessity of finding a solution to remove children from these circumstances, a challenge that was part of his campaign promises. He stressed the importance of creating a supportive environment where children can engage in suitable activities rather than being exposed to the risks of street work.
This initiative is part of broader efforts to address social issues affecting minors. Despite the complexity of the task, the city administration aims to develop policies that will prevent children from continuing these activities at intersections.
### Related News: Addressing Child Exploitation
In related developments, efforts continue to address the issue of child exploitation in urban areas across Mexico. Local governments are increasingly acknowledging the need for comprehensive strategies that involve training law enforcement and community organizations in identifying and supporting at-risk children.
Several initiatives focus on enhancing coordination between municipal bodies, state authorities, and non-governmental organizations to create a cohesive approach to safeguard children’s welfare. Authorities emphasize the importance of education and community engagement in preventing children from being coerced into labor or begging.
### Community Support and Health Concerns
In addition to tackling child exploitation, there are ongoing community campaigns in Tijuana to support children facing health challenges. One such initiative is the call for donations for Sebastián Antonio, a 12-year-old boy battling leukemia. With uncertainty about the continuation of his treatment, community members are urged to help ensure he receives the necessary medical care.
### The Role of Border Security
In a separate context, issues of immigration and border security remain prevalent. The need for adequate training for municipal employees at migration checkpoints is highlighted, with suggestions that training be provided by experts from neighboring countries to enhance the effectiveness of documentation reviews and processing at border crossings.
These developments reflect the complexity and interconnectedness of social issues faced by urban communities, emphasizing the importance of cohesive and informed policy-making to address challenges comprehensively.