### Tijuana Traffic Cops Took Bribes to Let Drivers Skip Ahead in Border Line
In Tijuana, auxiliary traffic officers, colloquially known as “minions” owing to their yellow uniforms, were reportedly charging motorists between $20 and $40 to allow them to jump ahead in the border queue at the San Ysidro port of entry into the United States. Rafael Leyva Pérez, the city attorney for Tijuana, announced that the Internal Affairs Department would be observing the access point more diligently, as these irregularities had come to light.
The scheme involved auxiliary traffic officers accepting bribes to let drivers shorten their wait by using the Ready Lane, which is designed for quicker crossings for those with travel documents. Leyva Pérez revealed that four of these auxiliary officers have already been dismissed for taking monetary favors.
Fernando Sánchez González, the head of Tijuana’s Public Security and Citizen Protection Secretariat, corroborated this information, and the ongoing investigation by the Sindicatura aims to determine whether these officers will face further administrative actions or disqualification from public office.
Since the supervisory measures were put into place, some motorists have shown their discontent aggressively towards the workers enforcing the rules. Leyva Pérez implored citizens to abide by the law and discouraged any attempts to bypass the queue, reminding them that such actions harm those who legitimately wait for hours to cross the border.
The Internal Affairs Department continues to monitor the conduct of public officials and addresses citizen complaints and reports.
### Secondary: Rising Concerns Over Corruption at Border Crossings
Recent news highlights an increasing trend of corruption among border-crossing officials, raising concerns not only in Tijuana but also across several border points between Mexico and the United States. The issue comes as delays and long waiting times exacerbate the situation, prompting desperate drivers to seek shortcuts.
– **San Diego Union-Tribune:** Reports confirm these corrupt practices are not isolated, underscoring the need for more stringent surveillance and greater transparency.
– **Border Report:** The outlets highlight continuous efforts to tackle corruption, revealing that several incidents of bribery at border crossings have led to comprehensive investigations and reforms aimed at curbing the malpractice.
Citizens and regular cross-border travelers demand more effective measures to ensure fair treatment and efficiency at border points. The authorities are under increased pressure to maintain integrity while facilitating quicker and smoother transit for honest travelers. As these measures take hold, both sides of the border community are keenly watching to see the impact on daily cross-border activities.