This week, two school bus routes in Southern California were disrupted when multiple illegal immigrants tried to board buses carrying children.
The Jamul-Dulzura Union School District in San Diego County reported that the incidents took place near the intersection of Highway 94 and Cochera.
A Group of Illegal Aliens tried to Hijack Two Buses full of Elementary School Children.
— Chad Prather (@WatchChad) August 29, 2024
This madness has to end NOW!!! pic.twitter.com/69RzvhzJxh
In a letter to parents on Tuesday, Superintendent Liz Bystedt reported that three illegal immigrants were found walking in the middle of the highway, trying to stop a school bus, which had to navigate around them.
The following morning, at the same bus stop, approximately 20 illegal immigrants rushed towards the bus while it was picking up students from the same location.
According to Fox5 San Diego, the bus driver ensured that no illegal immigrants boarded the bus, as confirmed by parents who were present.
Nicole Cardinale, who witnessed the event, said her eight-year-old son’s bus was involved and described the situation as “very scary.”
“He said these adults – they weren’t kids – had backpacks on and they were trying to get on [his bus]… He said there was a lot of them,” Cardinale said.
Bystedt said to ensure “the safety of students and bus drivers,” buses will now avoid stops with illegal immigrants nearby.
“Please stay [vigilant] and if the bus drives by, please follow the bus to pick up your child at the next stop,” she told parents.
The motive for the illegal immigrants trying to board the buses is unclear. An immigration rights advocate told Fox 5 that the region’s mountainous terrain and high temperatures might drive people to desperate actions.
The school district has informed U.S. Border Patrol, the California Highway Patrol, and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office about the incidents.
“The San Diego Sheriff’s Office was made aware of this incident today,” Kimberly King with the Sheriff’s Department said in a statement. “We are conducting a follow up investigation to determine if a criminal act has occurred. The Sheriff’s Office takes issues regarding student safety very seriously and are working with the school district in order to keep the students and our community safe.”
In April, San Diego became the busiest corridor for illegal crossings, according to U.S. data. Many illegal immigrants view San Diego as the safest and most straightforward crossing point, as reported by the Daily Mail. They often use their phones to check messages, social media updates, and calls to navigate their route and crossing plans.
San Diego faces distinct migration challenges due to the diverse countries of origin of illegal immigrants, including India, Jamaica, Georgia, Egypt, and Vietnam. Deporting individuals from these countries can be costly and complicated.
In contrast, Mexicans, Guatemalans, and Hondurans, who have more accessible and frequent deportation options, are less common in this area compared to other parts of the border.
