BC evaluates emergency funds for Trump's immigration crisis

In the face of mass deportations and the shift in migration flows due to Trump's policies, the Baja California Congress is considering activating extraordinary resources to address the crisis in Tijuana and other municipalities.

Baja California's response to the United States' harsh immigration policies is already underway. The state Congress is considering declaring an emergency and allocating extraordinary funds to address potential mass deportations and assist the migrant population.

Mexicali, Baja California—The Baja California government is preparing for the consequences of the new era of immigration imposed by the United States. The state Congress has begun an evaluation to determine whether it is necessary to implement an emergency declaration or activate extraordinary funds to support border municipalities, especially Tijuana, in assisting migrants.

This action is a direct response to the Trump administration's harsh new immigration laws, which have drastically altered the flow of people at the border and threaten mass deportations of fellow citizens.

Representative Juan Manuel Molina García, president of the Political Coordination Board (Jucopo), stated that, although the situation is still being evaluated, there are legal and budgetary mechanisms to respond to the crisis. Congress has formally called on the government of Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda to coordinate with federal and municipal authorities to guarantee the protection of migrants' human rights.

"It's not just about managing migration flows, but also about guaranteeing their human rights. This is not optional, but an ethical and legal obligation," reads a congressional resolution, underscoring the humanitarian approach it seeks to implement.

One of the first steps would be to ensure that municipalities, with Tijuana leading the way, receive the necessary resources to serve Mexicans who could be returned en masse from the United States.

Anticipating this scenario, the Tijuana City Council had already approved a municipal emergency declaration on January 13, a measure that seeks to prepare the city to receive migrants and provide them with the necessary support.

State and legislative authorities are awaiting full assessments from all three levels of government to define the next steps. The discussion focuses not only on the budget but also on strategy. The federal government has launched the "Mexico Te Embraces" program, which offers shelter and basic services, but the scale of potential deportations could exceed current capacity.

The situation in Baja California is a clear example of how one country's foreign policy decisions have a direct and profound impact on the finances and social policy of its neighbor. The response the state manages to articulate in the coming weeks will be crucial in defining the face of the border in this new and complex phase.