Recent months have witnessed a dramatic drop in the presence of migrants in Tijuana, as shelters sit empty and border apprehensions fall to historic lows.
Tijuana's Shelters Empty as Migrant Influx Dries Up
Tijuana's Shelters Empty as Migrant Influx Dries Up
Tijuana, traditionally a busy crossing point for migrants, sees a significant decline in numbers amid stricter immigration policies.
In a surprising shift for Tijuana, historically recognized as a crucial juncture for both legal and illegal crossings between Mexico and Southern California, the streets have become almost eerily quiet. Once bustling with migrants seeking refuge and the chance to enter the United States, the city's shelters and parks are now devoid of life, leaving many to question the factors behind this decline.
Ten months ago, Tijuana was alive with the hopes of countless migrants. Shelters overflowed with families, and the city's reputation as the busiest land border crossing in the Western Hemisphere was firmly intact. However, recent observations reveal a newfound calm. Road construction has replaced the chaotic gatherings that characterized the border wall, and the number of individuals seeking asylum has plummeted significantly.
Revelations from locals, such as 49-year-old Venezuelan migrant Lenis Mojica, emphasize the stark change. "People aren’t coming here," he noted, expressing the shared sentiment among migrants who have remained. "Everyone has left. No one else has arrived." The broader context shows that cities across the Mexican border have similarly recorded diminishing migrant numbers in recent months.
This downward trend cannot be isolated to Tijuana alone; U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported a drastic reduction in apprehensions, with figures dropping from nearly 250,000 in December 2023 to just over 8,000 in April 2025. Political rhetoric and newly implemented immigration policies may play pivotal roles in this evolving landscape, particularly since the start of the current administration.
The decline illustrates not just a shift in migration patterns but also raises questions about the future of these border regions and their role as a haven for those seeking a new life. As Tijuana witnesses its shelters empty, the need for safe and humane migration solutions becomes more pressing than ever.
Ten months ago, Tijuana was alive with the hopes of countless migrants. Shelters overflowed with families, and the city's reputation as the busiest land border crossing in the Western Hemisphere was firmly intact. However, recent observations reveal a newfound calm. Road construction has replaced the chaotic gatherings that characterized the border wall, and the number of individuals seeking asylum has plummeted significantly.
Revelations from locals, such as 49-year-old Venezuelan migrant Lenis Mojica, emphasize the stark change. "People aren’t coming here," he noted, expressing the shared sentiment among migrants who have remained. "Everyone has left. No one else has arrived." The broader context shows that cities across the Mexican border have similarly recorded diminishing migrant numbers in recent months.
This downward trend cannot be isolated to Tijuana alone; U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported a drastic reduction in apprehensions, with figures dropping from nearly 250,000 in December 2023 to just over 8,000 in April 2025. Political rhetoric and newly implemented immigration policies may play pivotal roles in this evolving landscape, particularly since the start of the current administration.
The decline illustrates not just a shift in migration patterns but also raises questions about the future of these border regions and their role as a haven for those seeking a new life. As Tijuana witnesses its shelters empty, the need for safe and humane migration solutions becomes more pressing than ever.
