Official announcements from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security or major news outlets

Tijuana Declares Emergency Ahead of Trump's January 20 Deportations, Plans 10,000 Shelter Capacity

Jan 18, 2025, 03:14 PM

The border city of Tijuana, Mexico, has declared a state of emergency in anticipation of mass deportations following Donald Trump's January 20 inauguration as U.S. President. The Tijuana City Council unanimously approved the measure to allocate resources for potential deportees, including the establishment of temporary shelters with a capacity for up to 10,000 people and the hiring of additional personnel. Mayor Ismael Burgueño Ruiz emphasized that the declaration is a preventive step to ensure the city is prepared to accommodate deportees with dignity and respect for human rights. Federal and local authorities across Mexico are also preparing for a potential surge in deportations, with plans to establish numerous shelters and provide support for returning nationals. Baja California's government is working on setting up 25 shelters along the northern border, while other border cities, such as Tapachula and San Luis Río Colorado, are implementing emergency measures. The federal government has also introduced measures like a mobile app to assist Mexican nationals facing deportation. Meanwhile, Kristi Noem, nominated to lead the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, has expressed plans to reinstate the 'Remain in Mexico' policy and end programs like CBP One, signaling a stricter immigration approach under the Trump administration.