Gunshots fired near Tijuana’s El Chaparral border crossing

“El Bordo,” the area just above the bend of the Tijuana River, was recently cleared of transients by authorities in preparation for routine maintenance; yet, it appears that the throngs of people, mainly male, have come back in droves.

If anything, the repopulation of the area seems to have resulted in a net gain. Tents and home-made shelters extend from the pedestrian bridge down to the broad curve at the end, and die-hards remain there.

According to police, at around three o’clock in the afternoon on Wednesday, September 25, gunfire was reported in the interior of the canal near the new entrance of El Chaparral.

According to Tijuana’s daily Frontera, authorities said the incident occurred after a fight broke out among drug users. One person was severely beaten and sent to a local hospital, and three were arrested. A firearm was confiscated, ostensibly the one used in the shooting.

Police stated that it appeared the quarrel occurred when people “who dedicate themselves to the drug trade” started a dispute; however, the incident was reportedly under investigation two days later.

Despite the fact that firearm ownership is strictly controlled in Mexico, those who work near El Bordo have noted a higher-than-usual frequency of pistol firings.