[CBSNews8] TIJUANA ‐ After traveling more than a month and walking for thousands of miles, nearly 2,000 migrants have arrived in Tijuana ‐ all hoping to cross into the United States, but a tall fence and several border agents stand between them and their hopes.Another 2,000 migrants are set to arrive this weekend in Tijuana, but not all residents in the city are welcoming the caravan.
While some migrants have secured a place in a shelter, others in the caravan have had to stay in tents set up on sidewalks.
One migrant told News 8 he only had the clothes he was wearing and has had no water or food. "No tengo nada, (I have nothing)," he said.
Jorge Castro is the Border Angels director. On Friday, Castro traveled to Tijuana with a van loaded with donations from San Diegans. "We have some teddy bears with messages to keep fighting for the children."
Other donations included coloring books, socks and blankets.
While many of the migrants may have started the asylum-seeking process, it will be a long undertaking that could last for months. Many have signed a tattered book provided by Mexican authorities as a way of "getting in line" to seek asylum.
Customs would not give News 8 the exact number of migrants who have requested asylum, however, Castro said the waiting list is up to 1,000 people.
Further, according to Castro, immigration officers are only able to see 30 to 40 individuals a day.
To make matters worse, the migrants’ arrival has been met with backlash from some Tijuana residents. Fights have broken out with some residents throwing beer cans and stones ‐ telling migrants to go back home.
My emphasis. These people were sold a bill of goods. The caravan organizers told them they were going to the United States. They're not going to the United States. Tijuana is the end of the line and Tijuaneros are not happy about it. Video, pictures and more text at link.