Calexico, California: A Frontline View скачать в хорошем качестве

Calexico, California: A Frontline View

Calexico, a small city with a population of about 40,000 residents, in Imperial County, is marked by its location directly along the U.S.-Mexico border, facing the bustling city of Mexicali on the other side of the border. This strategic position defines Calexico’s economic and social landscape, while also introducing unique challenges. The city has long been a focal point for border security operations, balancing the need for safety with the demands of cross-border trade and travel. The Port of Entry in Calexico is among the busiest in California, with thousands of pedestrians, vehicles, and commercial goods moving daily between the United States and Mexico, under the scrutiny of heightened border security measures. This movement is a critical part of Calexico’s economy, but it also requires significant resources to manage crime and ensure safety for both residents and visitors. After hitting a record high at the end of 2023, the number of migrants trying to cross the U.S.-Mexico border has sharply dropped in 2024. In August, U.S. Border Patrol encountered 58,000 migrants at the border, a significant drop from the 249,000 seen in December 2023. This decrease, about 76%, follows policy changes on both sides of the border. Mexican authorities have increased efforts to prevent migrants from reaching the U.S., while President Biden issued an order in June that makes it harder for migrants who enter the U.S. without permission to seek asylum. “Encounters” refer to times when Border Patrol takes in migrants who cross into the U.S. illegally. After being detained, these individuals go through a process to determine if they can stay legally, such as through asylum. Those who don’t qualify for asylum are usually deported. The sharp increase in migrant encounters at the end of 2023 led to criticism from the public, with 78% of adults in a survey calling it a crisis or a major issue. In early 2024, 80% of people said the government was handling the situation poorly. Since then, encounters have fallen, especially with migrants from Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. For example, encounters with Guatemalan citizens dropped 81% between December 2023 and August 2024, and similar declines occurred for migrants from other Central American countries.