US, Mexico discuss boost to border infrastructure

The US secretary of homeland security, Alejandro Mayorkas, met with Mexican authorities led by foreign minister Marcelo Ebrard to discuss boosting border infrastructure to deal with migration.

During the meeting, that took place at the foreign ministry in Mexico City, the new Otay Mesa-II or Otay Mesa East border crossing between San Diego in California and Tijuana in Mexico’s Baja California state was classified as a strategic priority for both nations. 

The project, currently under construction, is expected to reduce waiting times to an average of 20 minutes, as opposed to several hours currently. 

According to US officials, Mexico has secured most of the public rights of way needed on its side to start construction, which is on land owned by private businesses and residents.

Their US counterparts have secured the land, chosen a design, and started construction. 

Otay Mesa-II is one of 17 border infrastructure projects that Mexico is developing. 

Washington’s ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar, said after the meeting that both teams will continue to work to “create a 21^st century border between Mexico and the United States that will improve security and make trade easier.”