A group of Mexican migrants and activists protested in Tijuana, Baja California, before Donald Trump's inauguration as President of the United States, in rejection of his threats of mass deportations and anti-immigrant policies. The demonstration took place at the beach area, where the border wall meets the Pacific Ocean, an iconic site for the migrant population.
The gathered individuals, including some recently deported from the United States, held a symbolic protest featuring a piñata representing Trump. Sergio Tamai, director of the organization Ángeles Sin Fronteras, stated that this act was a peaceful way to express their disagreement with deportation measures and to call for fair treatment for Mexicans in the U.S.
Tamai named the piñata "Baby Trump" for behaving like a petulant child. José María García Lara, director of the Migrant Alliance of Tijuana, stated that many deportations under Trump could be illegal, which would create conflicts in the border area and separate families.
García Lara emphasized that Mexicans in the U.S. are workers who contribute to the economy of both countries, thus calling for an end to mass deportations to avoid family separations. He also mentioned that Trump should consider the impact of his actions on the stability of many people.
On the other hand, it was pointed out that there are organizations working to protect migrants in the U.S. from possible detentions in workplaces or schools. A call for caution and care was made regarding the situation that the new U.S. government could generate.
