SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — The number of migrants camped out between the border barriers in San Ysidro has dropped compared to the summer of 2023.
For months, it was a hot spot for migrants camping out.
Border advocates say 20 people were camping out there early Wednesday. They say the number of people that have been waiting overall "has gone down."
Folded chairs and used blankets line the border wall in San Ysidro.
Border Patrol vans left the area empty.
"In Tijuana, at the moment, the city is very calm or quiet," said Enrique Lucero, the director of migrant services in Tijuana.
It's a complete reversal from seven months ago, when large groups of migrants would camp out for days.
Lucero said about two months ago, his shelters were nearly full when they held about 3,500 people, but now there's space for about 1,000 people.
Lucero said migrants decided to take an alternate route into San Diego County.
"In Tijuana, they changed the fence and right now the area is closed," said Lucero.
He said Tecate is now seeing more traffic with migrants crossing into Jacumba because the mountains have fewer border barriers.
In October and November of 2023, data shows Border Patrol in the San Diego area processed more than 61,000 migrants.
During that time, ABC 10News has seen hundreds of those migrants camp out in Jacumba around campfires, waiting for Border Patrol agents to pick them up.
"Shelters tell them 'don't take this route because it's very dangerous,'" said Lucero.
Lucero said he is seeing more and more people using the CBP One App to apply for asylum.
"They download the app and wait about four months, and then they enter into the U.S. in regular order," the Tijuana official said.
One migrant at the border on Thursday, who wished to remain anonymous, said he did not know about the either the Jacumba route or the app.
The young man came from Jamaica and said said he's been waiting at the San Ysidro port for months, which he said was something he wasn't expecting.
During that time, the young man told ABC 10News he has noticed the numbers have decreased since he arrived, and he said he believed it was because of the conditions.
"Well to be honest the weather is terrible out here. It's freezing right now. It's 6 o'clock right now we're from the tropics, and it's pretty dark out here. So guys believe me, if you can do better, just try harder. Stay home, believe me."
