The White House's budget draft targets two distinct audiences: the working class with false promises of social spending, and the financial oligarchy with significant funding. The budget proposes record military and domestic police spending, with trillions in interest payments benefiting Wall Street and billionaires. Media coverage focuses on social benefits promises, which are likely to be discarded after the election. The core of the budget is a record $850 billion for the Pentagon for FY 2025, with additional funding for wars in Ukraine and elsewhere. The budget also emphasizes investment in key technologies and industrial sectors, with a focus on preparing for potential wars with Russia and China. It includes a significant increase in nuclear weapons funding and plans for nuclear war resilience. The budget also supports the integration of the UK and Australia into US military operations and expands US military spending in Latin America. Additionally, there is a vast increase in border security spending, including new technology for surveillance. The budget also outlines the growing cost of interest payments on federal debt, which will benefit wealthy investors.

Esther Morales distributes food to migrants in Tijuana, with a focus on her efforts and the impact of her tamale business.

The United States has completed the replacement of the border wall with Mexico in the westernmost part, making it taller and harder to climb. In response, a group of Mexican artists has begun painting the new wall as a colorful form of protest.

Various organizations in Mexico warn of a growing risk of organized crime seeking to intervene in this year's elections. Vicente Calderón reports that there have already been several cases of political violence, although the official campaign period has not yet begun.

A third checkpoint is being constructed in the border city of Tijuana, which hosts the busiest crossing in the hemisphere. Vicente Calderón visited the construction site located at the border with California.

In Northern Mexico, the trial for the homicide of a journalist that occurred over 6 years ago began this week. Legal resources filed by the defense delayed the process. Authorities assure that justice will be served, as reported by Vicente Calderón.

The Mexican government has pledged to rehabilitate infrastructure that is polluting beaches on both sides of the border due to old failures. President López Obrador has appointed military engineers to expedite the work.

At least two police officers have been killed as a result of a drug theft in Tijuana. Criminals are threatening officers, accusing them of aiding a rival cartel.

Following a high-level meeting between Mexico and the United States, migrants at the binational border are asking both governments to listen to them, while activists anticipate a tightening of border surveillance.

Migrants in shelters on the northern border of Mexico report that the CBP ONE application is slower for them, highlighting issues with the system's efficiency and its impact on their situation.

Tijuana, a city plagued by daily violence from drug trafficking, has decided to ban narcocorridos, a musical genre that sometimes glorifies criminals and exalts murderers and smugglers.

Migrants seeking to enter the United States demand more appointments through CBP One in Tijuana and request that their previously obtained appointments, lost due to organized crime in Tamaulipas, be honored.

Mexico is considered the most lethal country in the hemisphere for journalists due to the high number of murdered communicators, according to press freedom organizations. This situation discourages many university students from pursuing journalism, as noted by academics consulted by Vicente Calderón.

With the increase in migration, smugglers have adjusted the fees for illegally crossing people, according to estimates from the International Organization for Migration. Vicente Calderón from Voz de América also spoke with migrants who have paid to cross.

Mexican cartels rank among the largest 'employers' in the country, with over 175,000 people working for them, according to a report by Complexity Science Hub. Vicente Calderón interviewed the study's authors.

California's undocumented population stands to benefit significantly from a new immigration policy announced by the Biden administration, which extends protections to undocumented residents married to U.S. citizens. The policy could protect over half a million spouses and children from deportation and allow them to apply for citizenship. The announcement, made on the 12th anniversary of DACA, also includes plans to expedite work visas for DACA recipients with job offers. While the policy has been praised by immigrant rights advocates, it faces criticism from Republicans and potential legal challenges.

Mexico has deployed thousands of soldiers across the country to protect residents affected by organized crime, with the largest contingent sent to the border city of Tijuana. Brigadier General Vicente Mandujano stated that 2,000 soldiers were deployed to strengthen security and protect citizens, aiming to tackle organized crime-related murders. Tijuana has one of the highest murder rates in the country. Over 3,000 soldiers and National Guard members have been sent to other states with high gang-related violence. This large-scale deployment to the northern border is unprecedented. Edgardo Flores Campbell from the Public Safety Committee of Tijuana questioned the strategy, emphasizing the need for analysis and intelligence missions. Despite past allegations of military collusion with organized crime, local authorities, including Baja California Attorney General Maria Elena Andrade Ramirez, reported a reduction in crime in 2023 compared to the previous year. However, daily murders continue in Tijuana, with over 240 cases reported in the first month and a half of 2024.

The sentencing in the case of journalist Luciano Rivera's murder, which occurred on July 31, 2017, is set to be delivered today. The judge, Joel Chávez Castro, will decide between acquittal or conviction. The prosecution, represented by José Reyes, argues that there is conclusive evidence against the accused, Bruno N and José Luis N, based on witness testimony. The defense, led by Sergio Zaragoza Soria, claims insufficient evidence and questions the credibility of the main witness. The case has emotional undertones, highlighted by the victim's widow's plea for justice. The accused were previously linked to the Sinaloa cartel, but this is not relevant to the current trial.

A US civil rights group has sued the Biden administration over a new policy that prevents most migrants detained crossing the border with Mexico from seeking asylum. The American Civil Liberties Union argues that the restrictions violate US asylum laws and were improperly implemented. Immigration remains a key electoral issue, with Biden facing pressure from both sides. The new ban mirrors Trump-era policies and includes exceptions for unaccompanied children and those facing severe threats. Operational challenges remain, but early indications suggest a potential reduction in illegal crossings.

With the arrival of more migrants at the southern border of the United States, authorities and non-governmental groups are intensifying information campaigns to obtain asylum. These efforts aim to prevent abuses against both foreigners and nationals.

Tijuana is undergoing an urban transformation that is attracting many Americans south of the border. However, a series of landslides and collapses have put authorities on alert in the largest metropolitan area bordering California.

Recent changes in US immigration policy have significantly reduced irregular entries at the southern border. However, in Tijuana, located on the western border with Mexico, there is an increase in people arriving to seek asylum through the CBP One application, as reported by Vicente Calderón.

A suspect accused of causing a fire that killed 11 people at the Mexican border appeared before a judge. Local authorities, represented by Vicente Calderón, quickly clarified that the incident is not connected to the ongoing crime wave affecting northwestern Mexico.

Despite U.S. efforts to curb migration, the flow of migrants at Mexico's northern border continues, now including individuals from former Soviet republics. The story is narrated by Veronica Villafane with contributions from Vicente Calderon in Tijuana and Victor Hugo Castillo in Reynosa.

The article discusses the increasing attacks against women journalists in Mexico, highlighting the experiences of Adela Navarro Bello and Isabel Mercado. It details the challenges faced by women in the media, including online harassment and attempts to discredit their work. The piece also covers the role of organizations like Artículo 19 and Chicas Poderosas in supporting journalists and advocating for their rights. Despite the hostile environment, women journalists continue to report on critical issues, driven by the belief that their work can lead to positive change.

The northern border of Mexico is experiencing a severe water shortage, adding to the challenges faced by migrants. Vicente Calderón from Voz de América reported from a shelter in Tijuana where children and adults seeking refuge in the United States are stranded without access to bathrooms.

The number of migrants from former Soviet republics arriving in Mexico with the intention of being admitted to the United States is increasing. These migrants claim they are escaping the consequences of Putin's war.

In Tijuana, Mexico, activists and migrants celebrate the cancellation of Title 42, ordered by a U.S. judge, while remaining vigilant about the potential repercussions of this change in U.S. policy.

The deployment of Mexican agents just before entering the United States has sparked controversy. Authorities claim it aims to streamline cross-border transit, but critics argue that Mexico is succumbing to pressures from the Biden administration.

A new attraction has appeared at the Mexican border near a beach, between a lighthouse and a bullring. A piece of the Berlin Wall has been placed next to the fence dividing Mexico and the United States, serving as a call for reflection.

In recent years, many migrants have chosen the Tijuana border to irregularly enter the United States, considering it less dangerous. However, Vicente Calderón explains that now various drug trafficking cartels are contesting human smuggling in the area, increasing the danger for migrants.

An anesthesiologist's arrest in Mexico has mobilized colleagues across several cities after the prosecutor's office criminally charged him for legally purchasing fentanyl amidst a shortage of the anesthetic in the country's public hospitals.

Central Asian men from Tajikistan, formerly part of the Soviet Union, are heading to the United States and are in Mexico seeking asylum due to the war in Ukraine. Immigration officials are encountering more asylum seekers from former Soviet countries. The Mexican government reports nearly double the number of migrants from Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan from 2021 to 2022, with numbers still rising. Reporter Ulanbek Asanaliev from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Uzbekistan broadcast went to Mexico to document their journey, finding that some asylum seekers have Russian citizenship and may have been drafted to fight in Ukraine. Instead of joining the Russian military, they are fleeing. Many migrants head to Mexican border cities like Tijuana and Reynosa, with most arriving in Mexico City or Cancun before heading to US entry points. However, many do not go to shelters for help, staying in hotels instead. The journey requires significant sacrifices, with migrants like Fayoud spending all their money on hotels and struggling to afford food. Among the migrants are also four from Belarus, a Russian ally bordering Ukraine.

Despite US efforts to curb migration, the flow of migrants at the US-Mexico border continues, now including individuals from former Soviet countries like Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. Many are fleeing due to the war in Ukraine and seeking asylum in the US. Migrants often face challenges, including interactions with criminals and financial hardships. They typically arrive in Mexican border cities like Tijuana and Reynosa, with some avoiding shelters and staying in hotels. The Mexican government reports a significant increase in migrants from these regions, and many hope for a new start in the US.

Thousands of people waiting at the Mexican border to seek asylum in the US are staying in civil society shelters. However, without official support, these shelters sometimes can only provide a roof over their heads. Vicente Calderón from Voz de América reports from Tijuana on who is helping to ensure they do not go hungry.

Authorities in Tijuana have installed an orientation module to assist individuals seeking asylum in the United States, aiming to prevent the formation of new camps in front of border ports.

Father Chava's Breakfast Program, a key free meal provider for migrants and homeless individuals in Tijuana, is at risk of closing due to a lack of support, decreased donations, and rising operational costs. The program, run by the Proyecto Salesiano de Tijuana, has been struggling with a monthly deficit of around 400,000 pesos. The pandemic and the cessation of government subsidies have exacerbated the financial strain, leading to a call for urgent assistance to continue their charitable work.

Around 400 asylum seekers camping outside the Border Bridge between Tijuana and San Diego were evicted. Although police intervention was necessary, a peaceful agreement was reached with the authorities.

Migrants who claim they have been unable to secure an appointment to seek asylum in the United States have set up a camp in front of the main entry port to San Diego, California. Hundreds are sleeping at the pedestrian access point, and the group continues to grow, as reported by Vicente Calderón from Tijuana.

Authorities attribute the extraordinary surge in violence at the Mexico-United States border to drug trafficking. Although the crimes occurred in Baja California, this wave of criminal activity affects both countries.

U.S. authorities enabled the CBP One mobile application for asylum seekers to schedule appointments, but some individuals report that their approved appointments did not take place. Vicente Calderón from Voz de América reports on the issue.

The Mexican government's newly launched anti-drug campaign is facing scrutiny from the country's public health specialists. Vicente Calderón reports from Baja California, a border state experiencing deaths from drug consumption and serving as a hub for fentanyl smuggling.

Migrants from various nationalities report issues with obtaining an appointment through the CBP One app to seek asylum in the United States. However, the app appears to be particularly successful for Russians entering through northwestern Mexico.

The value of seized synthetic drugs in Mexico now surpasses that of traditional drugs, according to figures from the Mexican army. This shift highlights the transition of criminal organizations to more lucrative but also more deadly merchandise in the U.S. market.

Approximately 40% of individuals who have entered the United States through Baja California to seek asylum via CBP One are Russian nationals, according to the Instituto Nacional de Migración de México. Since January 18, 2023, when the Biden administration expanded the use of the digital platform to various nationalities, Russians have been the largest group crossing through Mexicali and Tijuana. From January to early April, 16,838 people of different nationalities entered the U.S. through these border cities, with 6,360 being Russians. Other significant groups include Haitians, Mexicans, Venezuelans, and Cubans. The data highlights the monthly entry of Russian citizens and their significant presence among CBP One beneficiaries.

For the sixth consecutive year, a Mexican city tops the list of the 50 most violent cities in the world. The global ranking is conducted by a Mexican non-governmental organization based on the number of homicides, as reported by Vicente Calderón from Voz de América.

Socorro Coco Castillo returns to El Mexicano as a reporter, while Alejandro Arturo Villa shifts focus to his own portal, Linotipia. The media landscape in Baja California is undergoing significant changes, with Cadena Baja California transitioning to digital and Esquina 32 potentially expanding its broadcasts. Adolfo Solis is increasing his influence in local media, and Jaime Bonilla is acquiring more media outlets. These developments raise questions about the implications for freedom of expression and democracy, especially with upcoming elections.

On the one-year anniversary of the murder of two journalists, Tijuana journalists mobilize to demand authorities for not prosecuting those who ordered the killings, although six are already imprisoned.

Tijuana continues to face water supply issues, leading to the purchase of water from San Diego through an emergency pipeline. Despite promises from local authorities, infrastructure failures have led to ongoing supply cuts. San Diego's Water Authority has been praised for its quick response in coordinating the emergency water deliveries. Residents in Baja California are facing higher water tariffs, and public dissatisfaction is evident. The collaboration between Voice of San Diego and Tijuanapress.com highlights the ongoing water issues in the region.

Ricardo Iván Carpio Sánchez, the Attorney General of Baja California, asserts that the murder of a protected witness who identified the mastermind behind the assassination of photojournalist Margarito Martínez does not hinder the investigation. He identifies David (N) alias Cabo 20 as the intellectual author of the crime, despite not being formally charged for it. The investigation has led to the sentencing of two individuals and the ongoing trial of a third, alias Cabo 16. Federal authorities are considering taking over the investigation. Cabo 20, currently imprisoned for another murder, has repeatedly been released and reoffended. The case highlights the challenges faced by local detectives and the ongoing efforts to bring justice for Martínez's murder.

Family, colleagues, and friends commemorated the one-year anniversary of the assassination of independent photojournalist Margarito Martínez. The event, promoted by María de la Asunción Gutiérrez, president of the Tijuana journalists' association, took place at the freedom of expression plaza in Zona Río. Attendees included Martínez's immediate family and representatives from the United States Consulate in Tijuana, led by Consul General Tom Reott, who expressed their condolences and concerns about the high level of violence against journalists in Mexico.

The Armed Forces have become a fundamental part of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's government in Mexico. While they are key to his strategy against crime, some communities are questioning the results.

Authorities and activists in Tijuana express concerns over immigration policy changes announced by President Joe Biden, anticipating the end of Title 42. They describe the modifications as belated and inefficient.

With inflation close to 9%, Mexico cautiously anticipates the minimum wage increase announced by President López Obrador. Some specialists fear it could lead to further price increases and even unemployment.

The Baja California Prosecutor's Office has identified four of the six individuals found dead in an abandoned van at Plaza Conquistador. Among the victims are Rodolfo Agustín Alvarado Román, José Luis Ramos, and Sandra Luz Esteban. The incident may be linked to the arrest of alias Tolín, allegedly connected to a drug cartel. The location of the bodies near Bar Ankara, where other crimes occurred, suggests a possible connection. Organized crime and drug trafficking remain the leading causes of violence in Baja California, with conflicts between the Sinaloa, Jalisco Nueva Generación, and Arellano Félix cartels, as well as internal disputes.

The El Chaparral border crossing, known as Ped West on the U.S. side, will remain closed despite plans to reopen it on December 21. The San Ysidro Chamber of Commerce, represented by Jason Wells, confirmed the closure due to a last-minute change following a judicial decision to suspend the cancellation of Title 42, a measure used to reject asylum seekers. The reopening was initially announced with limited hours and only southbound traffic, but the decision has been reversed, and the crossing will stay closed until further notice.

Approximately 6,000 migrants are waiting in Tijuana for an opportunity to seek asylum in the US, with half of them being minors. Local and international groups are visiting shelters to assist the youngest migrants through the Bebé Bus, an itinerant education project.

Only 10 days remain to register for the journalism contest organized by the San Diego Union and the US-Mex Center. Michael Letieri from the University of California in San Diego invites journalists from Baja California to participate in the second edition of the contest. The deadline for submissions is December 15, and entries must include reports or photographs published in 2022.

Activists and migrants in Mexico anticipate the repeal of Title 42, a policy that has prevented asylum seekers from receiving refuge in the United States. A federal judge has ordered the Biden Administration to take steps to end this immigration policy by December 21. Title 42 was implemented by the Trump administration during the COVID-19 outbreak in March 2020. The Alianza Migrante de Tijuana, which is already at capacity, expects more migrants but welcomes the judicial decision that could make it easier to apply for asylum. Local authorities estimate that around 6,000 people in Tijuana shelters are waiting for a chance to seek refuge in the U.S.

An altar has been installed at the State Center for the Arts in Tijuana in memory of the journalists murdered in Mexico during 2022. This initiative, started by Tijuanapress.com in 2016, coincides with the Day of the Dead and the date designated by UNESCO to end impunity for crimes against journalists. The altar features 19 sugar skulls, representing each media worker killed this year, and aims to raise awareness about protecting journalists and seeking justice for these crimes. UNESCO has condemned 74 journalist homicides in 2022, with a recent case in Haiti, and notes that 9 out of 10 crimes against journalists globally remain unpunished. The situation in Mexico has worsened, highlighted by the murders of Lourdes Maldonado and Margarito Martínez. CEART has been thanked for making the altar accessible to the public, and a minute of silence will be observed on November 2nd to honor the fallen journalists and advocate for a free and safe journalistic practice.

Organizations defending journalists report an increase in verbal attacks by political leaders against female journalists in Mexico. The article highlights the stories of two journalists who have made significant changes in their city, Tijuana, through their work.

Journalist advocacy organizations report an increase in verbal attacks by political leaders against female journalists in Mexico. The story includes the experiences of two journalists whose work has led to changes in their city, Tijuana.

The article discusses the environmental crisis caused by the inoperative Punta Bandera wastewater treatment plant in Tijuana, which is leading to sewage spills into the Pacific Ocean, affecting the San Diego-Tijuana region. The plant, run by Baja California's water department CESPT, has malfunctioning equipment, resulting in untreated sewage flowing into the ocean and reaching Southern California beaches. The EPA is faced with the decision of addressing the problem at its source in Mexico or dealing with the pollution effects on the U.S. coast. There is a $300 million budget allocated by Congress to tackle the issue, but there is a debate over whether to invest in infrastructure on the U.S. side or support Mexico's wastewater management. The article highlights the challenges of cross-border environmental management, including mistrust in the Mexican government's ability to maintain infrastructure and the need for cost-effective solutions.

More than 1,700 people have been murdered in Tijuana this year, with over 80 homicides in November alone. Journalist Vicente Calderon reports a recent spike in violence, including the murder of an American citizen at the San Ysidro border and the discovery of Los Angeles firefighter Francisco Aguilar's remains in Rosarito. Most homicides are linked to drug cartel activities. While tourists are generally not involved, caution is advised when traveling in Tijuana. The murder count is expected to surpass 2,000 by year's end, with last year's total exceeding 2,100. COVID-19 travel restrictions between the U.S. and Mexico are set to continue until at least December 21.

Low budgets, police incapacity, deficient investigations, and overburdened courts in Tijuana are failing to combat drug peddling, leading to thousands of accused being returned to the streets. From June 2016 to mid-2019, not a single person was imprisoned for drug trafficking at the retail level, despite over 12,000 arrests. The judicial system is overwhelmed, with judges often declaring detentions illegal and the police focusing on questionable arrests. The city has become the most violent in Mexico, with a majority of homicides related to drug peddling. The new justice system is criticized for being excessively lenient, and the lack of infrastructure and resources hampers effective justice. The recent murder of Federico, a factory worker arrested with drugs, exemplifies the deadly cycle of violence and the swift return of detainees to the streets.