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Fencing reinforced as Tijuana residents, Central American migrants clash

Posted at 6:39 AM, Nov 16, 2018
and last updated 2018-11-16 12:07:31-05

SAN YSIDRO, Califirnia — Fencing is being reinforced at the border in San Ysidro amid confrontations on the Mexico side between Tijuana residents and Central American migrants seeking to enter the U.S.

Late Thursday night and into early Friday morning, a team of construction workers installed additional fencing and other anti-climbing measures in an area behind the Las Americas Premium Outlets at 4211 Camino De La Plaza -- about a quarter-mile from the San Ysidro Port of Entry.

Officials noted that the work was part of a project that began in June to replace 14 miles of aging fencing and not related to the migrant caravan.

As the fencing work continues, tension across the border remains after some Mexican citizens and members of the Central American caravan clashed in the streets of Tijuana Wednesday night. The exchange involved people punching and kicking each other, and rock throwing.

RELATED: More caravan migrants arrive in Tijuana, brace for long stay

Some Tijuana residents said they are not discriminating against the migrants but are frustrated with the large number of them now in their city, with thousands more on the way. Many Mexicans believe most of the migrants will be denied entry into the U.S., which would leave them stranded in Tijuana.

With U.S. troops lining the border preparing to stop the migrants from crossing into United States, many Tijuana residents see no relief in sight.