Crime, Safety, and the Police

Problem is your statements are directly contradicted by quantified statistics the CBP publishes. The number of crossings has plunged and the number of detentions for illegal crossing is at 46 year low.

[URL]https://www.npr.org/2017/12/05/568546381/arrests-for-illegal-border-crossings-hit-46-year-low[/URL]

[QUOTE=GNRPorche;2264281]I understand in cities you get foreign languages. My point was in referance to anyone who thinks those caravans we're stopped, will be stopped, slowed down etc. Including the folks that want a wall. The entire earth population is welcome to move to USA today, and work for several years till denied asylum. And border patrol is seeing huge increases, and legally they are allowed here, and it has changed entire towns on the east coast that we're once English speaking, that have gone from 10% Spanish people to 80 to 90%. It's not one town, or two, it's most of them in the north east. They love it here, they don't like the south or west coast probably due to border patrol risks if you are within hundred miles of the border you can get harassed by border. That's why Trump won a lot of areas out here I was shocked anyone voted for him, and everyone here said it's because of illegals. It was funny because I could care less about this place turning to Latin America since I live in five states but the point was the people are coming, they are allowed here, and only misguided uninformed people will stay in the caravan for more than two days as border patrol is picking up thousand a day now climbing over the wall.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Bearbare;2265154]Problem is your statements are directly contradicted by quantified statistics the CBP publishes. The number of crossings has plunged and the number of detentions for illegal crossing is at 46 year low.

[URL]https://www.npr.org/2017/12/05/568546381/arrests-for-illegal-border-crossings-hit-46-year-low[/URL][/QUOTE]The thing is that there is a problem with all his statements. Mostly made-up, fantasized, delusional stories and reports while craving attention from grown men in this forum.

"Border Patrol fires tear gas again after 100 caravan migrants try to cross over from Tijuana to San Diego on New Year's Eve" link [URL]https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6544833/Border-Patrol-fires-tear-gas-caravan-migrants-try-enter-New-Years-Eve.html[/URL].

"The city's year closed with more than 2,500 killings" "While the numbers are higher than ever, law enforcement authorities say most of the homicides are targeted and linked to the lucrative neighborhood drug trade, as dealers fight over street corners. Primarily at stake is the city's methamphetamine market, and to a lesser degree heroin sales, they say.

"From what we're seeing, it's definitely the street sales in Tijuana that they're struggling over," said Bo Morris, Special Agent with the USA Drug Enforcement Administration" link to the article here [URL]https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/border-baja-california/sd-me-homicides-tijuana-record-20181226-story.html[/URL].

I have read most of the recent reports regarding the caravan at the border, but have a different interest than being for or against immigration. I have not been to Tijuana in over 20 years, so obviously things have changed. What I am interested in is if the current immigration situation along the border makes it unwise for me to go there for a few days? I understand one needs to be smart about getting to / from the port of entry as well as walking around in the Zona Rosa. I plan to stay in the hotel above HK and make use of their transportation service. What concerns, if any, does the caravan pose in the Zona Rosa or in the immediate vicinity of the port of entry? I am in need of some stress relief and now live close enough to go just for a few days. I just want to better understand the risks of traveling there at this time given all the immigration problems Tijuana is currently experiencing. Thanks in advance for the advice.

I go down often, about every 3-7 days I'm guessing. Both PedEast and West. The real differences post 2018 caravan is Mexico takes it more seriously about allowing people back on the bridge to the PedWest CBP point. Sometimes they stop at the carousels and sometimes at the bottom of the ramps. I suspect you mean threat wise. There's no difference. I was going down even when they were trying to swarm the border. There's a much higher police presence but if you're an American with your passport ID card or Passport, your threats and procedures are unchanged. Albeit illegal crossings are a problem, its not at all a problem for cross-border tourists.

[QUOTE=LookingToSwing4;2272142]I have read most of the recent reports regarding the caravan at the border, but have a different interest than being for or against immigration. I have not been to Tijuana in over 20 years, so obviously things have changed. What I am interested in is if the current immigration situation along the border makes it unwise for me to go there for a few days? I understand one needs to be smart about getting to / from the port of entry as well as walking around in the Zona Rosa. I plan to stay in the hotel above HK and make use of their transportation service. What concerns, if any, does the caravan pose in the Zona Rosa or in the immediate vicinity of the port of entry? I am in need of some stress relief and now live close enough to go just for a few days. I just want to better understand the risks of traveling there at this time given all the immigration problems Tijuana is currently experiencing. Thanks in advance for the advice.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=BearBare;2272165]I go down often, about every 3-7 days I'm guessing. Both PedEast and West. The real differences post 2018 caravan is Mexico takes it more seriously about allowing people back on the bridge to the PedWest CBP point. Sometimes they stop at the carousels and sometimes at the bottom of the ramps. I suspect you mean threat wise. There's no difference. I was going down even when they were trying to swarm the border. There's a much higher police presence but if you're an American with your passport ID card or Passport, your threats and procedures are unchanged. Albeit illegal crossings are a problem, its not at all a problem for cross-border tourists.[/QUOTE]Wednesday was my first day here on this trip. I was here a month ago during the peak of the caravan. I felt that Tijuana was back to normal now. I thought the police presence was much less than a month ago. Though there was a heavy federal presence in the zona last night. They were feeling up a few gringos driving and tearing their SUVs apart, looking for something.

Honestly, if a Cabinet member visits the border and 1000% if the President of the US (POTUS) visits the wall is really the largest threat to your crossing being swift and uneventful. I've been on the tarmac in the US and even Afghanistan, and when a cabinet member (eg Director of any three letter agency) or POTUS enters the area, time comes to a halt and life sucks for a Few hours (yes, hours).

So keep an eye on Trumps schedule in relation to your border cross day. This is not meant to be political, as I've waited on Bush, Obama and Bush Sr. And Clinton to pass.

[QUOTE=LookingToSwing4;2272142]I have read most of the recent reports regarding the caravan at the border, but have a different interest than being for or against immigration. I have not been to Tijuana in over 20 years, so obviously things have changed. What I am interested in is if the current immigration situation along the border makes it unwise for me to go there for a few days? I understand one needs to be smart about getting to / from the port of entry as well as walking around in the Zona Rosa. I plan to stay in the hotel above HK and make use of their transportation service. What concerns, if any, does the caravan pose in the Zona Rosa or in the immediate vicinity of the port of entry? I am in need of some stress relief and now live close enough to go just for a few days. I just want to better understand the risks of traveling there at this time given all the immigration problems Tijuana is currently experiencing. Thanks in advance for the advice.[/QUOTE]Threats or delays of border crossing from the caravan is zero.

Threats from a gang turf war is high as gangs are competing.

Threats from muggings is low-medium.

Threats from ugly chicas price-gouging is high as the better chicas are on vacation.

Recommend you remain on alert when in the Zona Norte and not in one of the main clubs.

[QUOTE=Jackie888;2272250]Threats or delays of border crossing from the caravan is zero.

Threats from a gang turf war is high as gangs are competing.

Threats from muggings is low-medium.

Threats from ugly chicas price-gouging is high as the better chicas are on vacation.

Recommend you remain on alert when in the Zona Norte and not in one of the main clubs.[/QUOTE]100% correct.

If anything, the caravan just created visual items of interest. Theres now a field deployable barracade by PedEast and razor wire across the Tijuana river canal near the US mall (look west from PedWest and you will see it).

Also if you have military experience with Air Ops, you could see the different types of flying patterns (Hi / low overwatch, USCG vs CBP patrol, etc). Thats all gone though. The increased police seems to fluctuate by news reports. I've noticed when news spikes (rumors of a swarm trying to overwhelm CBP) then the Federales are out more.

But again, a gringo tourist is only affected by now you may have a chokepoint check by MX immigration at the bridge before walking over to PedWest. Just show you have a valid passport and no problems. Very quick but only seems to be done during higher times of crossings.

I would agree that the risk of muggings are a bit lower now. But one should never let your guard down in the Zona. Always look to see who is walking behind you in the Zona. The street crime fluctuates a lot in Tijuana & the Zona so one must always be wary.

[QUOTE=Jackie888;2272250]Threats or delays of border crossing from the caravan is zero.

Threats from a gang turf war is high as gangs are competing.

Threats from muggings is low-medium.

Threats from ugly chicas price-gouging is high as the better chicas are on vacation.

Recommend you remain on alert when in the Zona Norte and not in one of the main clubs.[/QUOTE]

I would prefer going elsewhere, like MDE, but cannot get away for more than 3 days. So I thought it might be time for me to sample Tijuana since it is easy for me to pull-off an economical 3-day trip to take the edge off. Was pretty hard to tell what's going on given all the drama-filled news coverage. Situational awareness is always needed where we choose to play, but expect an extra measure of awareness is warranted given the situation. I do not plan to leave the Zona, nor wander around after dark beyond from one club to another. But I also plan to take advantage of the HK Border transportation services to further decrease my exposure to bad circumstances.

[QUOTE=Dcrist0527;2272194]Wednesday was my first day here on this trip. I was here a month ago during the peak of the caravan. I felt that Tijuana was back to normal now. I thought the police presence was much less than a month ago. Though there was a heavy federal presence in the zona last night. They were feeling up a few gringos driving and tearing their SUVs apart, looking for something.[/QUOTE]Hi! I was also in Hong Kong on Wednesday. I finished a business with my chica, I drank two Heineken and around 10 PM go out and just outside the Hong Kong club - wtf ! A scene like from the movie: five Federales with big machine guns aimed at a white car from the US, license plate from California and they are looking for something in the car. I don't know what they were looking for and don't want to know. Probably drugs, cash, weapons or maybe dead body. I quickly jumped into a taxi to the pedeast border back to USA.

It does seem a bit. I can never quite figure why they stop some people often times. This is another reason why I avoid driving Tijuana. Driving a American car in Tijuana is simply another unneeded reason for law enforcement to hassle you in Mexico.

[QUOTE=StRobert;2272751]Hi! I was also in Hong Kong on Wednesday. I finished a business with my chica, I drank two Heineken and around 10 PM go out and just outside the Hong Kong club - wtf ! A scene like from the movie: five Federales with big machine guns aimed at a white car from the US, license plate from California and they are looking for something in the car. I don't know what they were looking for and don't want to know. Probably drugs, cash, weapons or maybe dead body. I quickly jumped into a taxi to the pedeast border back to USA.[/QUOTE]