**Rise in Irregular Used Car Crossings into Mexico: 3,200 Vehicles Stuck in Tijuana Customs**
In recent months, there has been an uptick in the irregular crossing of used vehicles from the United States into Mexico at Tijuana’s border checkpoints, Chaparral and Otay. This surge coincided with the period during which the definitive importation decree was not in effect. The head of Tijuana Customs, Lieutenant Colonel Alejandro Robles Segura, reported that over the past fortnight, as many as 70 vehicles were seized, which is a significant increase from the usual 15.
Currently, Tijuana Customs holds approximately 3,200 impounded vehicles undergoing administrative processes. These vehicles, unable to prove their legal presence, will eventually become the property of the government and later transferred to an institute meant to redistribute such assets.
Robles Segura elaborated that every day about 20,000 cars pass through Otay and 50,000 through Chaparral. Many of these vehicles have the potential to remain in Mexico illegitimately, possibly being sold by used car vendors. However, he dismissed the idea that large criminal rings are behind this practice, emphasizing that individuals often attempt to bring in cars for personal gain. These are often dual nationals or American citizens who, when detected, are returned across the border as they cannot be charged under Mexican regulations.
For Mexican nationals driving American cars without proof of their legal stay, fines and administrative procedures apply, resulting in the vehicle being impounded. Regular confiscations occur when cars cannot validate their presence legally, Robles Segura added on November 12, 2024.
Moreover, vehicles that had previously been regularized under the “chocolate car” decree are also being seized if they are found to have been stolen in the United States or were brought into Mexico after 2021. The decree only applies to vehicles brought in before 2021. These discoveries often occur when such a vehicle attempts re-entry into the United States and is flagged by commercial officers.
**Secondary Article: Increased Vigilance and Measures in Mexican Customs**
Recent developments have prompted Mexican customs to intensify their vigilance and enforce stricter regulations at the border to prevent illegal crossings of vehicles. The authorities are actively implementing technology to track and detect vehicles with an illicit past or those without proper documentation. This enhancement in enforcement comes in light of the increased number of used vehicles attempting to enter Mexico illegally after the importation decree lapsed temporarily.
Additionally, collaboration between Mexican and US agencies has been strengthened to prevent the entry of stolen vehicles and ensure that vehicles with legitimate importation intentions are processed efficiently. Given the economic impact of such illegal activities, both countries are prioritizing efforts to curb this cross-border issue, protecting the integrity of the automotive market in Mexico while maintaining robust border security measures.
Experts suggest that public awareness about the legal processes of importing vehicles and potential consequences of non-compliance could help further reduce the occurrence of these illegal crossings. Consequently, campaigns aimed at educating both sellers and buyers of used cars on the regulations are being considered to minimize the exploitation of legal loopholes in vehicle importation.