A 48-year-old German man who had been living on the streets of Mexicali has returned home after local authorities and German consular officials coordinated to arrange his repatriation.
The man, identified only as Helmut, was found Jan. 22 after a resident reported him to a municipal outreach unit that assists people in vulnerable situations. Officers with the Municipal Police connected him with the city-run Peregrino Shelter, where he stayed for 24 days.
During that time, Helmut received medical care and other support services. A retired German translator affiliated with the Autonomous University of Baja California volunteered to help staff communicate with him and coordinate next steps.
City officials contacted German consular representatives, and on Jan. 29 the honorary German consul in Tijuana met with Helmut to verify his identity and assess his ability to travel. Once the necessary paperwork was completed, arrangements were made for his return.
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Helmut departed for Germany on Feb. 14, bringing the nearly monthlong effort to a close.
Mexicali officials said the case reflects the city’s efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to people in need, regardless of nationality.
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