Mexico’s federal government and Baja California state authorities have announced plans to lease warehouse space in Tijuana to house deported migrants from the United States. This initiative aims to provide temporary shelter for up to 5,000 migrants before they are returned to their hometowns across Mexico.
Arnulfo Guerrero León, Tijuana’s City Manager, revealed the decision to use warehouse facilities instead of sports complexes, citing the need to avoid disrupting local events and activities. The warehouses, located southeast of the city, will offer better access to border crossings where deported migrants arrive, reducing the need for extensive transportation across Tijuana.
Who will the shelters accommodate? Officials confirmed the facilities will only house Mexican nationals deported from the United States. Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum recently emphasized to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump that Mexico would only accept deported individuals originally from the country.
The warehouses will be organized to segregate different groups of migrants, including single men, single women, unaccompanied minors, and family units. This arrangement aims to ensure safety and proper management within the shelters.
Why the shift to warehouses? Guerrero León explained that using warehouses minimizes the risk of migrants filtering into the city while streamlining the process of receiving and housing them. The centralized location also simplifies logistics for managing large groups of deportees.
The facility is expected to be operational by January 20, coinciding with the start of Trump’s presidency, when deportations are anticipated to increase. Mexican authorities are preparing to handle the influx efficiently while addressing the needs of those affected.