Despite the United States government's efforts to curb it through enhanced technology and more barriers, the influx of migrants across the border wall continues. Criminals specializing in human trafficking are executing their smuggling operations using drones and communication radios, as captured in various videos.

These remote-controlled devices assist the so-called "coyotes" in guiding groups from around the globe aiming to set foot on U.S. territory to commence their asylum process.

The area along International Avenue remains a favored spot for mass crossings, regardless of ongoing construction work on the Elevated Viaduct. Traffickers especially exploit the zone near the State Public Services Commission's (CESPT) water treatment plant, which has underground access to the U.S., to attempt their crossings.

Drones, the "eyes in the sky," allow traffickers to direct their operations and issue instructions to their ground accomplices. A video captured by these drones recorded an instance when a mass crossing attempt did not go as planned.

"Things don't always turn out well; not every attempt is successful," stated the video's author, showcasing from the drone's remote control how a group of over 30 people halted traffic in both directions on International Avenue. Erratic instructions from the "coyotes" ultimately led to the crossing's failure, leaving the group stranded on the Mexican side.

Sharp increase in crossings

According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), since last October, 182,000 individuals have been apprehended attempting to illegally cross into the country via the Tijuana border, marking a 72% increase compared to last year's 105,000 migrants.

The CBP also reports that asylum appointment numbers have risen from 400 to 1,000 daily. This year, four individuals have died attempting to cross into the U.S. irregularly across the Baja California (BC) border strip, as reported by Tijuana's Municipal Migrant Services Department.

The fatalities include a migrant who drowned attempting to swim across at Playas de Tijuana, another in the canalization of the River, a person who died of hypothermia in the town of Jacume, bordering Tecate, and one individual who fell from the over 10-meter high wall at the Otay Gate.

INAMI under scrutiny

On the Mexican side, the National Institute of Migration (INAMI) is facing scrutiny, initially after the arrest of two migration agents found with thousands of dollars and pesos in cash, a 9mm firearm, and lists of names linked to alleged bribes concerning human traffickers.

The Attorney General's Office (FGR) announced the arrest made by its agents two weeks prior. David Pérez Tejada, the Migration delegate in BC, stated that the two agents, who are married to each other, have been suspended from their duties, and the Institute will cooperate with the investigations.

On the evening of Monday, April 8th, at least one individual with a handgun fired shots at the Tijuana migrant shelter's facilities of the Institute. Additionally, a message with threats and accusations of collusion between INAMI and human traffickers was left behind.