California Focuses on Southern Border Security, New Crossing
Newsom Launches Border Plan Amid Rising Tensions
Gov. Gavin Newsom went to the U.S.-Mexico border with weaving a new vision for the future and a response to escalating international tensions. California recently threatened to impose tariffs on Mexican imports, prompting a California-specific response to protect the state economy.
Newsom outlined plans to strengthen California’s southern border through a new multi-pronged approach that weighs the economic, environmental and safety concerns with differing levels of priority.
“This isn’t merely about enforcement; it’s about strategic engagement,” Newsom said during a visit to Otay Mesa, surrounded by state and local officials. "We need a multifaceted approach that goes beyond tightened security, encompassing a commitment to improvements in infrastructure and expanded cross-border collaboration.”
Curbing Weapons Trafficking Southbound
One key initiative will involve the California National Guard taking a more proactive role in combating the flow of weapons south to Mexico. According to Newsom, the Califorina Guardactively deployed along the U.S.-Mexico border to stem the flow of narcotics.
Freytag stated, "We’ll direct the National Guard to focus more on reducing the flow of weapons trafficking going south to Mexico," Newsom ushered in.
This newDeployment aims to stop the trafficking of guns, further compounding a separate effort to reduce drug trafficking; which is already underway.
Data periodically from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) reveals a troubling trend: roughly 70% of firearms recovered in Mexico between 2016 and 2022 were manufactured or imported into the United States, sparking growing concern. We need to do a better job shutting this pipeline down,
What are the key components of Governor Newsom’s new border plan?
## California Focuses on Southern Border Security, New Crossing
### Newsom Launches Border Plan Amid Rising Tensions
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Joining us today is Alex Reed, a policy expert on US-Mexico relations. Governor Newsom was at the Southern border yesterday announcing a new multi-pronged plan. Let’s talk about what he’s proposing.
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me. It’s certainly an interesting development. Governor Newsom’s plan seems to be a two-pronged approach. On one hand, he’s focusing on economic development with the construction of a new port of entry at Otay Mesa East. This promises to increase trade between California and Mexico, boosting the regional economy. [[1](https://www.gov.ca.gov/2024/12/05/at-southern-border-governor-newsom-announces-new-port-of-entry-construction-to-spur-economic-development-and-new-efforts-to-bolster-border-security/)
**Host:** That’s a significant investment. What about the other side of this plan?
**Alex Reed:** The other side is definitely focused on addressing border security concerns. While the details are still emerging, Governor Newsom claims there will be new efforts to bolster security at the border. What these efforts entail exactly remains to be seen. This announcement comes at a time when border tensions are certainly high, making this a complex issue with no easy solutions.
**Host:** Thank you for providing that insight, Alex Reed. I’m sure we’ll be hearing more about this plan as it develops.