Migrants Use TikTok to Cross US Border, Rescues in Texas, Center Closure in San Diego and Bodies in Rio Grande Soon to be Identified
The Border Center for Journalists and Bloggers (BCJB) shares a summary of the main news on the border for February 23, 2024.
Migrants Utilize TikTok for Guidance on U.S. Border Crossing
CBS8.- Migrants seeking entry into the United States from Mexico increasingly turn to social media platforms like TikTok for advice on navigating their journey. This digital trend comes as President Biden considers executive actions to address asylum-seeking procedures at the U.S.-Mexico border. Customs and Border Protection reported significant migrant encounters across the country, with a notable decrease from December 2023 to January. Many migrants, including a Nicaraguan man who shared his story, rely on TikTok videos for detailed information on the costs, routes, and experiences of others who have made the trip. This guidance has become a vital resource for individuals and families aiming for a better life in the U.S. despite the dangers posed by the journey. Volunteers along the border, like John Schultz, witness the hardships faced by migrants, including prolonged waits for processing and medical emergencies. Schultz, an immigrant, empathizes with those he helps, wishing them the same opportunities he received.
Border Patrol Agents Rescue Migrants in Texas
In the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), Border Patrol agents often find individuals lost and abandoned by human smugglers in remote and harsh areas. These migrants, left to survive on their own, face dire circumstances. Recently, agents in Falfurrias, Texas, conducted a life-saving operation, rescuing two migrants who were in urgent need of medical attention, Chief Border Patrol Agent Gloria Chavez reported on her Twitter account. This incident highlights the perilous journey migrants undertake and the critical role of Border Patrol agents in providing aid to those in distress.
San Diego Migrant Welcome Center Closes Due to Funding Shortfall
San Diego Union-Tribune.- The migrant welcome center in San Diego, which has been a crucial support for the increasing number of arrivals from the border, closed on Thursday due to a lack of funds. Leaders estimate that $1.5 million per month is needed to continue operations, but the $6 million provided by the county has already been depleted earlier than expected. The center, operated by SBCS (formerly South Bay Community Services), has seen a significant rise in migrant arrivals, with around 700 to 900 people per day this week alone. The funding was primarily used for transportation, supplies, food, and facilities. Despite the center's efforts to prevent thousands from being stranded without support, the surge in arrivals and funding challenges have led to its closure. San Diego nonprofits are now trying to manage the situation, with local authorities and organizations urging federal assistance. The closure is expected to revert the problem to previous conditions, with migrants being released at transit stations. The county seeks long-term solutions, including federal- and state-funded transfer sites and respite shelters.
Almost Identified Two Bodies Found in the Rio Grande, Possibly Honduran and Dominican Migrants
La Voz de Piedas Negras.- The coordinator of Public Ministry agents in Piedras Negras, Santiago de Jesús Espinoza Eguía, reported that they are close to identifying two of the last bodies found in the Rio Grande, which could be migrants from Honduras and the Dominican Republic. The deceased found drowned, carried identifications from these countries, which has motivated an identity verification process with the help of the respective consuls. While waiting for consular confirmation and for relatives to claim the bodies, the identification has not been completed. This year, the regional prosecutor's office has recorded 19 deaths in the Rio Grande.
Mexican Citizens in Texas Can Vote in Mexico's 2024 Elections, Possibly Electing First Female President
The Texas Tribune.- Mexican citizens residing in Texas can participate in Mexico's 2024 elections, potentially electing the country's first female president. With about 240,000 eligible voters in Texas, the Mexican consulates in Dallas and Houston are pivotal for voter registration. This year, voting has been made easier with an online option and, for the first time, in-person voting at select Mexican consulates. Presidential candidates include Claudia Sheinbaum of Morena, Xotchil Gálvez of the Broad Front for México, and Jorge Álvarez Máynez of the Citizen Movement party. Mexican citizens need a current voter ID to vote, which can be obtained at consulates. The voting process includes online voting starting May 18 and mail-in ballots, with a deadline for registration set for February 25. The election will also cover the Senate, the Chamber of Deputies, several governorships, and migrant representatives, highlighting the growing connection between Mexico and its diaspora.
U.S. Law Enforcement Explored Alleged Cartel Ties to Mexican President's Allies. AMLO: allegations are false
The New York Times.- American law enforcement officials investigated claims that close associates of Mexico's President Andrés Manuel López Obrador had interactions with drug cartels, potentially involving financial transactions. Despite finding some evidence suggesting connections between Mexican officials and cartel members, the inquiry was not pursued further, partly due to concerns over diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Mexico. López Obrador dismissed these allegations as false and anticipated no impact on the bilateral relationship. The investigation included information from informants about meetings between López Obrador's advisers and cartel leaders, as well as possible financial dealings. However, direct ties between López Obrador and criminal groups were not established. This exploration into potential corruption reflects ongoing challenges in combating drug trafficking and maintaining diplomatic ties, especially considering the significance of U.S.-Mexico collaboration on migration and drug interdiction.
White House Denies Investigation into AMLO and Drug Trafficking According to New York Times Report
Infobae.- The White House has denied investigations against the president of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, for alleged links to drug trafficking during his 2018 presidential campaign, according to a report in the US newspaper The New York Times. US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby confirmed in a virtual conference that there is no such investigation by Joe Biden's administration. Kirby referred the media to the Department of Justice for further details but stressed the importance of cooperation between the US and Mexico on immigration and border security issues. López Obrador had criticized the "threatening" tone of a New York Times questionnaire about the alleged investigation. The Mexican president rejected the accusations and expressed concern about how this could affect bilateral relations, especially in the fight against drug trafficking such as fentanyl. The controversy arises at a time when both countries emphasize the need to maintain a solid relationship to face shared challenges.