Anyone going to baja

[dennis 221]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Baja California Sur Government Announces New Security Checkpoints in Response to Federal Immigration Crackdown
La Paz, Baja California Sur – January 25, 2025 – The Government of Baja California Sur announced the immediate implementation of new security checkpoints every 100 kilometers along Highway 1, from Cabo San Lucas to the Baja California border. This directive comes directly from the Mexican federal government in response to pressure from the United States to crack down on illegal immigration and strengthen border security measures.
A major focus of this initiative is immigration enforcement. Officers from the National Institute of Migration (INM) will be stationed at each checkpoint to verify the legal status of all travelers. Any individual who violates Mexico’s immigration laws will be immediately detained, have their property confiscated, and be deported to the nearest land border.
“This order comes from the highest levels of government in response to increasing international pressure,” said Jose Diaz, spokesman for the Baja California Sur Public Security Secretariat. “We are enforcing immigration laws with zero tolerance: anyone without legal status in Mexico will be detained and deported immediately. There will be no exceptions.”
In addition to immigration enforcement, all travelers should expect very thorough searches of their vehicles and personal belongings at each checkpoint. Officers will conduct detailed inspections to ensure compliance with firearms laws, narcotics regulations, human trafficking prevention, and anti-smuggling measures.
The checkpoints will be manned by a coordinated task force, including INM agents, federal and state police, the National Guard, and military personnel. Travelers should also be prepared for identification verification, vehicle registration, and compliance with all traffic laws.
Foreign residents and tourists are strongly advised to carry all necessary documentation, including passports, visas,

 

[todgru]

Hey Dennis, do you have a link to the source?

 

[Beate]

So maybe this controlles will make travelling through the Baja, from USA to the south, a bit more safe? We thought so often about this road-trip by driving a camper-van but always hesitatet because of the drug-crime there.

 

[buckland]

I have made the trip and it was very safe for us, folks very polite and no feelings of security issues. I too felt anxious at the military check points... I mean who wouldn't?.... If I get pulled over in the States I feel anxious too. (Tho I'm always innocent . ) I would also like the link to the source so I can get the details. Thanks for the post.

 

[goinoregon]

we are going in late feb. hopefully the new guy in dc wont do anything to offend our neighbors any more than he has already. I did not mind the military checkpoints. they take a little time, but since we were not breaking any laws - they were no problem for us.

 

[Occidental]

Doesn't sound much different than when we visited in 2022. There were plenty of checkpoints, and although we didn't have anything to hide, like Buckland, I get nervous talking to a guy with a machine gun. During a less crowded early morning stop they did do a search of the camper, found we had a box of food (ah, comida) and moved us along. We've had much more annoying searches in Canada and the worst was coming back into the US from BC, but we've felt way less safe in a few spots in the US than we ever did in Baja.

 

[dennis 221]

Baja overlanding website

 

[TerraSeas]

Anyone have an update on import taxes at the US/Mexico Border? The 25 percent tariff the administration threatened Mexico with would have done away with the $800 waiver, meaning all goods would be taxed when transiting the border in both directions. My understanding is that the existing rules will stay in place under the 30 day agreement.

 

[goinoregon]

generally, their taxes are for new goods being brought into the country. if you are vacationing, you wont have items that they would be taxing.