Parts of the concertina wire at the San Diego border were stolen and sold by Mexican nationals in March. Mexican authorities seized the military-grade wire and returned it to U.S. authorities.
The United States Customs and Border Patrol San Diego Sector (CBP) installed the concertina wire as a preventative effort against the migrant caravan’s illegal border rush back in November, 2018. Now, with Tijuana’s recent spike in crime, pictures of Mexican houses can be seen online reinforced with the stolen wire to keep intruders out.
Alambre de púas en la frontera protege… ¿casas de mexicanos en #Tijuana?
Pobladores están robando el material para reforzar la seguridad en sus hogares. https://t.co/JaeAAQhfbu pic.twitter.com/zgeAqFkrMf— POLÍTICO México (@politicomx) March 18, 2019
“The people arrested were mainly Mexican [citizens], and most were people who have been deported from the United States, and people who have problems with drug addictions and live mostly on the street,” Tijuana Border Liaison Director Reynaldo Gonzales Mora told the Washington Examiner. More than 12 people have been arrested.
People in Tijuana now stealing concertina wire from the border fence and using it to protect their homes. @CBS8 pic.twitter.com/vjMWd6JfKY
— Barbara Richards (@sdbrichards) March 19, 2019
High Crime Catalyst
In 2018, Tijuana ranked as the number-one most violent city in the world per capita, according to a report from the Mexican civil security organization Seguridad, Justicia, y Paz. The migrant caravan has contributed to the city’s severe crime rate.
Epoch Times reporter @charlottecuthbo is at the Southern border
This video shows the military installing concertina wire on the levee behind Granjeno in Texas, just north of the border, in response to caravans heading for the US. #caravan @realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/zhGRM43Y5f
— The Epoch Times (@EpochTimes) November 9, 2018
Since December when the caravan arrived at Tijuana 280 migrants from the caravan have been arrested, Municipal Delegate Genaro Lopez told Fox News on Dec. 13. They were originally arrested for drug possession and charged with breaking into people’s homes.
However, Border Patrol confirmed to NTD News the stolen wire has already been retrieved and returned by Mexican law enforcement officials.
“We are grateful for this partnership, as it enhances border security efforts for both countries,” a CBP spokesperson said in an email.
Video captured 3/14 shows an illegal crossing of Central American migrants. None of the 52 people surrendered to the #USBP agent on the beach. All 52 people were eventually arrested after a 2 hour foot chase with multiple agents. Once in custody, everyone claimed asylum. #CBP pic.twitter.com/0gxH2lpNQc
— CBP San Diego (@CBPSanDiego) March 15, 2019
According to the email, construction of a 14-mile wall began in June 2018, and is nearing completion. Some gaps in the wall were temporarily filled with concertina wire, making it susceptible to damage and theft. The wire was also used to enhance the old wall, while the new barrier was under construction.
Construction has begun on a new #BorderWall section, replacing 14 miles of the barrier near #SanDiego, #California.
US @CBP: wall panels will replace a steel-mesh fence. The fencing will be replaced with steel bollards up to 30 feet high.https://t.co/NoCfEVH6y1
— The Epoch Times (@EpochTimes) February 21, 2019
The Fake News is showing old footage of people climbing over our Ocean Area Fence. This is what it really looks like – no climbers anymore under our Administration! pic.twitter.com/CD4ltRePML
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 19, 2018