Cross-Border Effort Supports Victims of Violence

Mexican Consulate and San Diego District Attorney partner to assist immigrant survivors of domestic abuse and human trafficking

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:55pm

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A solitary woman sits alone in a dimly lit room, the warm sunlight casting deep shadows across her face, conveying a sense of isolation and vulnerability.The cross-border effort to support immigrant survivors of violence seeks to provide a safe haven for those living in the shadows.San Diego Today

The Consul General of Mexico in San Diego and the San Diego District Attorney have signed an updated agreement to allow for cross-border support for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. The partnership aims to build trust with immigrant communities and encourage victims to come forward, regardless of their immigration status.

Why it matters

Advocates across the country are concerned that aggressive immigration policies and anti-immigrant rhetoric are preventing immigrant victims of violence from reporting abuse. This cross-border collaboration seeks to address those fears and ensure all survivors have access to critical legal, emotional, and community resources.

The details

The memorandum of understanding gives consulate staff access to two centers that provide services to people who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking or child abuse. It also allows for data sharing between the organizations. Since launching a campaign in August 2025 to make immigrant women feel safe coming forward, the consulate has seen a 172% increase in reported cases.

  • The agreement was signed on March 26, 2026 at the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego.
  • In 2025, the Mexican consulate observed a 40% decrease in requests for assistance from January to July, which it attributed to fears related to immigration consequences.

The players

Alicia Kerber Palma

The Consul General of Mexico in San Diego.

Summer Stephan

The San Diego District Attorney.

One Safe Place

A support center that provides services to people who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking or child abuse.

Casa Cornelia Law Center

An immigration legal services nonprofit that contracts with the One Safe Place support centers to assist with U and T visa applications for victims.

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What they’re saying

“By joining forces, we reduce barriers, strengthen trust and guarantee that those who need it most have access to legal services, emotional support and community resources regardless of country of origin and regardless, above all, their immigration status.”

— Alicia Kerber Palma, Consul General of Mexico in San Diego

“It sends a clear message — 'You are not alone.' 'We are with you, and we believe you.'”

— Alicia Kerber Palma, Consul General of Mexico in San Diego

“There are hundreds of thousands of women and children that live, work, go to school in between both nations. They are the responsibility of both Mexico and of San Diego, and what is not negotiable for me as district attorney and my office is to have every child and every woman and every human being to feel safe and protected under our laws here in San Diego.”

— Summer Stephan, San Diego District Attorney

What’s next

The two organizations will continue to monitor the impact of the agreement and any changes in the number of victims coming forward for support services.

The takeaway

This cross-border partnership demonstrates a commitment to supporting all survivors of violence, regardless of immigration status, and building trust with immigrant communities that may be hesitant to report abuse due to fears of deportation. The collaboration aims to ensure access to critical resources and services on both sides of the border.