Elements of the United States Army have begun reinforcing the border wall near the international port of San Ysidro, on the border between San Diego and Tijuana, Mexico. Local residents have reported the presence of American agents since February 3rd, but it was today that they began installing barbed wire at the base and top of the wall.
"Since Wednesday night they started bringing machinery, but it was only this morning that we began to hear how they were already working, installing the wire and reinforcing the bars," shared one of the neighbors. This action arises after the signing by United States President Donald Trump of executive orders aimed at sealing the southern border of the country, under the argument of protecting against a supposed invasion of migrants.
The measure includes the deployment of an additional 1,500 military personnel to the border, where they will be responsible for logistical tasks according to White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt. In addition, they will provide transportation support to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office, which is responsible for preventing the crossing of migrants without visas.
Despite this reinforcement at the border, residents of the region believe that migrants will continue to cross and human traffickers will seek new routes. After years living near the border, they mention that the security measures implemented have not succeeded in stopping those seeking a better life.
"They installed lighting, cameras, renovated it, made it bigger, patrol constantly, helicopters fly by, and I haven’t seen that, with all of that, people stop crossing. We always find cases of people crossing here," explained the residents. They assure that coyotes, as traffickers are known, will always find ways to continue their business.
