Migrants trying to swim around the border barrier that juts out into the Pacific Ocean between San Diego and Tijuana are dying and having to be rescued more than ever, according to a KPBS investigation.
There was only one drowning in the four years before the wall was replaced. In the four years after, there were 33 drownings according to Lindholm and Lussier.
Lifeguards say tougher enforcement along the border pushes migrants to cross in more dangerous areas. This is resulting in a historic surge in drownings.
Last year was one of the deadliest years on record for migrants. Tougher enforcement along the border pushes migrants to cross in more dangerous areas. Now, lifeguards are seeing a spike in drownings. In other news, the years-long cross-border pollution problem took a big step toward a solution over the weekend when President Biden signed the new federal budget. Plus, San Diego is updating its master plan for growth and development.