Baja California Records 2,455 Deaths Amidst Cartel Wars in 2023
Tijuana, the city with the most violent homicides * Economic importance of migrants * The border in the United States legislative debate * Impeachment of Mayorka * Skeptical Republicans
The Border Center for Journalists and Bloggers (BCJB) summarizes the main news on the border on January 10, 2024
Zeta weekly magazine.- In 2023, Baja California witnessed 2,455 violent deaths, a decrease from the previous year but still maintaining its high national homicide rate. Tijuana accounted for the majority, with 1,855 cases, followed by other cities like Mexicali and Tecate. The deadliest areas in Tijuana included Sánchez Taboada and Centenario, each reporting over a hundred homicides. Gunshot injuries were also significant, with Sánchez Taboada leading in this category. Authorities attribute these deaths to ongoing cartel wars, particularly between the Sinaloa Cartel and rivals like the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the Arellano Félix Cartel. In early 2024, Tijuana continued to experience violence, with 18 killings in the first four days. The majority of these deaths and attacks are believed to be linked to drug trafficking routes and sales conflicts among cartels. Additionally, six Tijuana police officers were killed in 2023, indicating the growing involvement of law enforcement in cartel violence.
What rising immigration really means for California’s economy
Los Angeles Times.- U.S. Census Bureau data reveals that immigrants are increasingly vital to the U.S. workforce and economy, especially in California, which faces population loss. In 2022, net immigration in the U.S. reached a 22-year high at 1.14 million. Immigrants, 18% of the working-age population, accounted for over 60% of last year's labor force growth. This influx is crucial as the U.S. population ages, birthrates remain low, and more baby boomers retire. Despite political tensions over immigration, experts emphasize its economic benefits, citing immigrants' role in filling job vacancies and driving consumption. Business and political leaders are urging work authorization for migrants to alleviate labor shortages. Although concerns over illegal immigration persist, the overall impact of immigration is seen as positive for the U.S. economy. The current labor participation rate hasn’t fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels, and immigration could be vital to addressing workforce gaps and supporting economic growth.
GOP senators clash over conditioning Ukraine aid on border results
PolÃtico.- Senate Republicans are divided over whether to link money for Ukraine to specific border security metrics. Conservatives, including Sen. Ron Johnson, want Ukraine funding contingent on securing the border. Still, this idea was rejected due to a lack of support within the party, potentially delaying aid to Ukraine. Negotiations between Republicans and Democrats aim to find common ground on immigration restrictions and foreign aid but face challenges due to differing views on border control measures. Some Republicans push for stricter border security, while Democrats resist changes to presidential parole authority. The discussions aim to strike a compromise that satisfies both parties.
Mayorkas stares down storm of impeachment hearing, border talks
The Hill.- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is facing an impeachment effort by House Republicans while simultaneously engaging in border policy negotiations with senators. Republicans have criticized the Biden administration's handling of the border, blaming Mayorkas for record numbers of illegal crossings. The House Homeland Security Committee is holding hearings as part of the impeachment process, with some moderates now supporting it. However, DHS released a memo dismissing the impeachment as a "baseless and pointless political attack." Senators are dealing with the unusual situation of potentially having to conduct an impeachment trial while negotiating a border deal with Mayorkas. Concerns exist about the impact of impeachment on government funding and border-related issues. Some senators questioned whether Mayorkas's actions warrant impeachment; others believe it could complicate other legislative priorities.
Senate Republicans Skeptical of Impeachment Push Against Mayorkas Over Border Policy
The Playbook.- Some Senate Republicans, including Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma, are skeptical about the impeachment push against Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas over border policy. They argue that the root issue lies in President Biden's border policies rather than Mayorkas's execution of them. The House Homeland Security Committee is set to hold a hearing on Mayorkas's performance, where Republicans will present arguments for impeachment based on "neglect of duty." Three Republican state attorneys general are also expected to testify, accusing Mayorkas of disregarding laws passed by Congress. Democrats counter that the impeachment effort is politically motivated, highlighting Mayorkas's efforts to collaborate with Congress on border control.