Tijuana Shelters Brace for Potential Surge as Mass Deportations Loom

Migrant shelters in Tijuana, located just across the border from San Diego, California, are preparing for a potential influx of migrants as US President Donald Trump threatens mass deportations, CNN reports.

With over 30 shelters operating in the Mexican border city, humanitarian workers are voicing concerns about a lack of space, resources, and overall uncertainty surrounding the situation.

In anticipation of a potential surge, Tijuana authorities declared a state of emergency last week. This administrative move will allow the city to access funds needed to rent spaces and pay for essential services such as legal aid, personnel, equipment, and supplies.

Despite the preparations, Tijuana Mayor Ismael Burgueño Ruiz insists the city is not alarmed. He described the emergency declaration as a “preventive” measure, should Trump act on his stated intentions. The city has prepared spaces to accommodate a potential increase in deportees.

While the exact number of migrants currently in Tijuana remains unclear, government data indicates that more than 30,000 migrants passed through the city between January and August 2024.

Meanwhile, the Mexican federal government is also preparing for a possible influx. They have announced plans to create new shelters in border towns and to focus on “attending caravans.” President Claudia Sheinbaum recently stated that many migrants have already begun to return to their countries of origin “as they are walking,” according to a previous report by the news outlet.