Baja California has established a coordinated system for assisting migrant children who arrive in the state, with the goal of providing them with a safe place to stay while authorities determine whether they can be reunited with their families.
Known as “Círculo de Protección” (“Circle of Protection”), the program brings together Baja California’s state DIF family services agency, UNICEF, child protection authorities and other institutions.
Governor Marina del Pilar Avila Olmeda said children entering the program are received by trained personnel who listen to their stories and accompany them through the process.
More Than 11,000 Children Have Received Assistance
According to the governor, more than 11,000 children and young people have received assistance through the program.
Of those, 8,685 were immediately reunited with their families. Others have remained under the care of different temporary accommodation facilities when immediate reunification was not possible.
One of those facilities is Jasson y Alexander, where children can receive education, care and emotional support while they wait for the possibility of returning to their families.
In Ensenada, Villa Albatros provides older teens with opportunities to study and prepare for employment.
Support Extends Beyond Shelter
The state government says the program is part of a broader effort focused on children’s well-being and rights.
Other initiatives mentioned by Avila Olmeda include the “Pancita llena, corazón contento” program, scholarships, educational assistance and the Comunder school transportation system.
UNICEF Mexico has also supported the state’s efforts to improve its models of care and prepare participating institutions, according to the governor.
Mavis Olmeda García, president of the state DIF agency, said the creation of “Círculo de Protección” seeks to address the different needs of children who have been repatriated from the United States.
Multiple Agencies Follow the Process
The program involves coordination among several government and international institutions.
These include Mexico’s National Migration Institute (INM), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Mexican consular authorities, in addition to the child protection agencies and UNICEF.
According to Olmeda García, the coordination begins when children arrive at the border and continues while authorities work toward family reunification.
When returning to their families is not immediately possible, children can remain in designated accommodation facilities while receiving care and support.
