Four people were detained Friday morning at Tijuana’s Otay border crossing after allegedly trying to bypass the pedestrian line, according to the city’s Municipal Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPCM).
The incident began after people using the crossing alerted authorities about several individuals who were allegedly disrupting order in the public area. Municipal police arrived and instructed them to follow the established line and wait their turn to enter the United States.
Police said the group continued to disregard those instructions. After they allegedly persisted in attempting to avoid the designated line, officers took them into custody.
In Tijuana, people who engage in this type of behavior at busy border crossings are commonly referred to as “gaviotones,” a local term for individuals who attempt to get ahead of others waiting in line.
A minor was among those detained
Authorities identified the four people as Raúl Alfredo “N,” Jonathan “N,” Brandon Ezequiel “N,” and Jair “N.” The fourth individual is a minor.
All four were subsequently brought before a municipal judge, who will determine the corresponding administrative penalties.
The reported violation centered on disrupting public order and failing to follow the established pedestrian line.
Police urge travelers to plan ahead
The municipal security agency reminded people crossing into the United States from Tijuana to allow extra time for their trip and follow the designated lines at the border.
Authorities also warned that attempts to bypass access lines or behavior that disrupts public order can result in administrative sanctions.
