Governor calls for help

Baja California Gov. Francisco Vega called on the Mexican government to address the extraordinary immigration issue in the state as a matter of national security.

Gov. Vega said more than 9,000 Central American immigrants had arrived in the so-called caravan, and some of them caused the melee at San Ysidro Port of Entry Sunday.

The governor called outgoing President Enrique Peña to address and control the issue according to Mexican law.

On Monday the National Immigration Institute said 98 immigrants involved on Sunday’s border fight are being processed for deportation.

According to the governor, the state has warned the Mexican government about the consequences of this caravan if things went out of control.

San Ysidro port of entry was closed for about five hours after immigrants attempted to cross the border while apparently throwing rocks at border officers. They were repelled by U.S. agents with tear gas.

Gov. Vega also requested hygiene items, as well as health and housing services for immigrants. However, the Mexican Department of Government has released pictures on Twitter about the delivery of blankets, food, water and other items for immigrants.

Vega, a former Tijuana Mayor, demanded that representatives of Central American countries take part of the relief effort in the city and to deviate caravans to other ports of entry.

“I reiterate to Baja Californians that the priority of my administration is to keep whose who live here safe and tranquil,” Gov. Vega said. “We will keep raising our voice for the Mexican government to fulfill its legal obligation.”

On Sunday night, Gov. Vega held an emergency meeting along with local mayors and Federal Police Commissioner Malenich Castilla, who said 300 additional agents were deployed to Tijuana to avoid an incident like Sunday’s from repeating.