The Mexican Border Patrol has rescued 60 migrants in the Tecate mountains since the weekend. That’s when the mercury fell into dangerous territory for those trying to cross the California Mexico border illegally. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has details.
Temperatures in the mountains east of Tijuana have dipped to freezing the past few nights. Over the weekend, some areas received a light dusting of snow. The mountains are a popular crossing spot for migrants.
Grupo Beta is the Mexican equivalent to the Border Patrol. The director in Tecate says since the cold snap began they’ve found many migrants huddled together under bare trees.
Jose Hernandez says the spot is about a day’s walk from Campo. He says most of the people they find aren’t dressed for the conditions. He says many migrants come from warmer regions and don’t know about the cold.
Hernandez says his group gives them food, warm drinks and blankets, and directs migrants to shelters. He says migrant traffic usually increases this time of year. People head back to work in the U.S. after going home for the holidays.
Amy Isackson, KPBS News.
