Thousands of immigrants arrive

More than 3,000 Central American immigrants have arrived in Mexicali in recent days with hopes of applying for asylum in the United States.

State Immigrant Attention Director Gustavo Magallanes said two-thirds of those immigrants are male; more than 600 are adult females, and fewer than 400 are minors.

The official said all of these newcomers have been housed in shelters.

According to media reports, a rehabilitation center close to the airport in eastern Mexicali was opened to house hundreds of immigrants due to the lack of space in shelters.

Baja California Gov. Francisco Vega met Sunday with Tijuana Mayor Juan Manuel Gastélum to analyze the situation.

After the meeting, the state requested again support from the Mexican government to provide services to immigrants.

The Mexican Department of State has released on Twitter pictures of supplies transported by plane to help immigrants, while the National Institute of Immigration has opened offices to give Central American citizens temporary job opportunities.

In the meantime, National Action Party State Chair José Luis Ovando blamed rivals from President-elect Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s party for why Congress hasn’t not responded to the state’s request for help.