Authorities from Mexico and the United States met in the Mexican border city of Tijuana to coordinate plans prior to the arrival of massive caravans of Central American migrants, the Interior Ministry said Friday.
According to a statement released by the ministry, officials from Mexico along with personnel from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will review procedures to provide humanitarian aid to the migrants.
During the meeting, CBP commissioner Kevin K. McAleenans said it is vital to safeguard the crossing of both people and goods between the two countries, as well as border security through joint efforts.
Francisco Vega, governor of the Mexican state of Baja California said that police presence will be strengthened around shelters and at the border to guarantee order.
"Citizens are worried, which is why it is important to send a message of zero tolerance against those who violate the law," Vega said. "If something like this happens, these individuals will be put before the National Institute of Migration for their immediate deportation."
At least 1,800 migrants, mainly from Honduras, have arrived in groups to Tijuana this week. More are expected to arrive since they are currently traveling in nearby towns, authorities said.
Another two caravans are now crossing states in the central and eastern part of Mexico on their way to the U.S.-Mexico border.?
