SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — In recent weeks, a “new type” of migrant has been streaming into the city of Tijuana, and predominately from the Mexican state of Sinaloa.
They are university students.
Albert Rivera, who runs the Agape Shelter, says he is seeing more and more large groups of college students showing up at his and other facilities seeking refuge from the violence in Culiacán, Sinaloa’s capital city.
“We are getting more people from Sinaloa, especially university students,” said Rivera.
Since September, factions within the Sinaloa cartel have been fighting for control and have made cities, such as Culiacán, incredibly dangerous for people out on the streets and roadways.
Hundreds have been killed and most people avoid going outside unless it is necessary. Just about every business and restaurant has suffered stifling losses due to the violence, leaving many bankrupt — or on the brink of it.
“The students, like many, have fled. They are having problems and difficulties with the lack of security and safety” said Rivera. “Most students say they will take classes online as much as they can and don’t have intentions of crossing the border into the United States.”
Rivera admits some of the students are contemplating asking for asylum.
“Most want to stick it out and see if the situation gets better back home, but if it seems unlikely, they will consider their options including crossing the border.”
Others, according to Rivera, are arriving in Tijuana to avoid contact with cartels.
“A lot of the young men are fleeing recruitment by cartels that have been forcing people into their criminal organizations, this is happening throughout Central America and Mexico including Sinaloa,” he said. “They are taking boys as young as 14 and 15 by force, and that is scaring a lot of families, forcing them to leave.”
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