Mexico/US: Tensions high at the Tijuana-San Diego border /update 4

Event

Tensions remain high along the Mexican-American border, notably at the San Ysidro border crossing linking the cities of Tijuana and San Diego, as migrants from Central America hoping to claim asylum in the US continue to arrive at the border. On Sunday, November 25, a group of migrants who attempted to cross the border illegally were driven back by tear gas and rubber bullets deployed by US border guards. The crossing was closed for some five hours following the clashes, leading to significant disruptions.

A continued heightened security presence is to be expected near the border until further notice, along with sudden border closures.

Context

Tensions have increased in Tijuana as migrant caravans continue to reach the city. Some 7500 people have arrived over the past two weeks, leading to a growing humanitarian crisis. Due to US policies that severely restrict the number of asylum seekers allowed to cross the border daily, continued significant backlogs are expected in the coming weeks and months, with migrants being housed in emergency shelters and makeshift camps. A large number of migrants have also reached the border town of Mexicali.

San Ysidro is one of the busiest border crossings in the US, typically processing some 110,000 north-bound travelers on a daily basis.

Advice

Individuals in affected areas are advised to keep abreast of the situation, keep their distance from the caravans and protests as a precaution, and be prepared for disruptions at land border crossings.