### Tijuana Police to Assist with Vehicle Inspections to Open More Lanes at the San Ysidro Border
The government of Tijuana is proposing an initiative to open additional lanes at the San Ysidro border crossing. In exchange, they plan to enhance security efforts to prevent undocumented individuals from entering. This proposal, announced by Pedro Montejo Peterson, the head of Tijuana’s Economic Development Department, aims to mitigate the lengthy queues and traffic congestion experienced on the Mexican side of the border. Currently, out of 25 available inspection booths, only 17 are operational, leading to extended wait times for cross-border travelers.
A pivotal meeting is set for this Friday between Tijuana officials and representatives from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the Municipal Palace. This gathering will further discuss the proposal and other security measures related to the border crossing.
Montejo Peterson explained that the plan involves replacing CBP personnel who check passports before reaching the booths with local municipal police. This would free up American agents to man additional inspection booths, thus speeding up the process for motorists. Tijuana plans to deploy armed, trained municipal officers to screen drivers before they approach the official crossing point.
According to CBP reports, out of the 70,000 vehicles that cross daily, only a minuscule number, around 50, involve individuals without legal documentation. Authorities have previously attempted a “binational filter” system where local agents conducted pre-checks for documents. The proposal claims that minor procedural changes can significantly reduce traffic chaos and improve efficiency at the crossing.
### Related Update: Call for Increased Surveillance at San Ysidro Border Amid ‘Hawk’ Activity
Recent reports suggest a resurgence of so-called “gaviotones” at the San Ysidro border crossing, which refers to individuals who offer to expedite the crossing process for a fee by guiding drivers through less congested lanes. This activity has sparked concerns over the need for increased surveillance to maintain orderly and lawful border crossing procedures.
The local Chamber of Commerce has emphasized the need for stricter monitoring to deter such practices, which can undermine border security and create additional challenges for customs officials. The ongoing dialogue between Tijuana and U.S. authorities will likely address these security concerns, aiming for a balanced approach that facilitates legitimate traffic while securing the border against undocumented entries.
Stay informed on the developments of this story as Tijuana seeks to streamline border crossings and enhance its collaborative efforts with U.S. customs officials.