SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — Ten migrants have either died or been killed while trying to unlawfully cross the border between San Diego and Tijuana during the first five months of this year.
Enrique Lucero, director of the Migrant Affairs Office in Tijuana, the El Sol de Tijuana newspaper that six migrants died after falling from the border barrier, two were shot and killed by bandits or smugglers at the border, and two drowned trying to swim around the portion of the wall that sticks out into the ocean.
He also said 16 others have been injured while trying to cross the border unlawfully since Jan. 1.
“Irregular crossings between San Diego and Baja California have gone up during the last few months,” said Lucero.
Lucero blames the increase in crossings in the San Diego-Baja region on heavier penalties migrants face, including jail time, when they enter the U.S. through the state of Texas.
He insists migrants should avoid crossing illegally and wait for a CBP One app, which allows them to enter the U.S. legally and seek asylum.
Many migrants hesitate to wait for a CBP One appointment since it can take more than six months.
“We understand the desperation, but it’s not worth risking your life, the legal path is through the CBP One app, it’s the only guarantee to at least get an interview with an immigration officer, and it’s safe and secure,” said Lucero.
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