Tear Gas Release on the Mexican Border

On November 25, in Tijuana, Mexico, a group of about 500 migrants rushed from the Mexican side of the border in an attempt to cross into the United States. As a result of this abrupt action, the US Border Patrol sprayed tear gas in order to stop the group. They tried to make the migrants disperse so they would not raid the border, but they harmed entire families, including young children. Families were “running and screaming” as they desperately tried to run away from the gas.

Border Patrol tried to defend themselves by saying the migrants were threatening them by throwing projectiles their way. Border Patrol said they would “not tolerate this type of lawlessness.” They claimed the migrants were putting their agents safety at risk and the tear gas was a necessary precaution.

The San Ysidro entry point was closed for a few hours after this transgression, and since it is one of the most popular ones, this created even more chaos. Later, they reopened it for cars and pedestrians. Thirty-nine people were arrested the night of November 25 for attempting to cross the border illegally, and the Interior Ministry of Mexico said they would be deported to their home countries.

The mayor of Tijuana stated that he did not want this incident to impair the relationship the city has with people across the border, i.e. the Trump Administration. Some are claiming that this is a “humanitarian crisis,” and that it is necessary for the federal government to take responsibility for its actions.

By Vivi Melkonian