Tijuana activists urge voters to reverse migration crackdown ahead of midterms

Mexican advocacy groups in Tijuana are monitoring the upcoming U.S. midterm elections, expecting the new congressional makeup to alter federal immigration policy and border conditions. Local leaders say the results could determine whether recent enforcement measures continue or shift.

Raúl Ochoa, a local activist, stated that U.S. immigration policy has tightened significantly since January of last year. He pointed to a rise in deportations and new rules that have criminalized migration. Ochoa noted that more than 23,000 people have been deported to 29 countries and territories, a move he described as highly unjust.

José María García Lara, another activist, expressed hope that voters will choose candidates who prioritize normalcy for migrant families. He recalled that many families believed conditions would improve two years ago but were instead impacted by recent measures. García Lara urged voters to make the best decision to restore stability to the region.

José Luis Pérez Canchola, from the Municipal Human Rights Directorate, emphasized the historical economic role of Mexican labor in the United States. He stated that the U.S. economy has grown due to Mexican contributions to agriculture and livestock since the territorial separation. Pérez Canchola highlighted that these sectors have been driven by Mexican workers for decades.

The focus on the election stems from the direct impact of U.S. political decisions on the border dynamic. Organizations are tracking legislative changes that could affect the flow of people and the conditions for those remaining on the Mexican side. The midterms will determine the balance of power in Congress, which controls funding and regulations for border operations.

Voters in the United States will cast ballots in the November midterms. The outcome will shape the political environment for the next two years. Local officials in Tijuana are preparing for potential shifts in policy based on the election results.