
Migrants travelling in a caravan from Central America were abused and had rocks thrown at them in a neighborhood in Tijuana as they reached the Mexican border.

A small group of residents in an upscale Tijuana neighborhood near the Mexican border confronted caravan migrants late on Wednesday, throwing stones and telling them to go back to their home countries.

'Get out of here,' around 20 people shouted at a camp of Hondurans near the border. 'We want you to return to your country. You are not welcome'.

Mexican locals are seen clashing with a group of Honduran migrants as they passed through a neighborhood in Tijuana

Police officers had to intervene to keep the peace as tensions escalated between residents and migrants

A small group of residents in an upscale Tijuana neighborhood confronted the caravan migrants late on Wednesday, throwing stones and telling them to go back to their home countries

The migrants shouted back and dozens of police officers had to create a blockade between them to prevent any violence

Tensions surfaced days ago when residents complained about a group of LGBT migrants who broke away from the caravan

Migrants shouted back and dozens of police officers had to create a blockade between them in a city known for welcoming both American tourists and thousands of immigrants every year.

A caravan of thousands of mostly Honduran migrants who are fleeing violence and poverty at home set off for the United States in mid-October, with the bulk of them still to arrive at the border. Other large bands of mostly Salvadorans have followed.

Trump has declared the caravans an invasion, and has sent some 5,800 troops to 'harden' the border, including with barbed wire.

With some exceptions, Mexico has welcomed the Central Americans, offering food and lodging in towns during their journey. The migrants said they were stunned by the hostile attitude in Tijuana.

One migrant said: 'We are not criminals. Why do (they) treat us like this if everywhere we have traveled in Mexico they treated us well?' migrants shouted back. 'Think about the children who are here, please'.

Mexican Interior Minister Alfonso Navarrete said that job fairs would be held around the country from today to lay out opportunities for Central Americans, reiterating earlier government offers of work.

Central American migrants, taking part in a caravan towards the US, arrive to Tijuana, Mexico, on November 15

Earlier today central American migrants were seen arriving by school bus to a shelter offering breakfast in Tijuana

Central American migrants moving towards the United States queue for pizza near the US - Mexico border fence in Playas de Tijuana today

This time though, he emphasized that there was also work for Mexicans seeking jobs.

At a news conference that included Juan Pablo Castanon, head of the CCE business lobby, Navarrete said the private sector had told the government there were enough jobs available for all the Central Americans who entered Mexico during October.

Since October 19, a total of 3,800 migrants had sought asylum in Mexico, Navarrete said, though some later dropped their applications and returned home.

As of now 2,600 asylum requests were being processed, the minister added.

Mexico's low-paying factories at times struggle to find workers, and the border area is suffering chronic labor shortages.

US marines place barbed wire atop fencing along the United States-Mexico border in Tijuana

US Border Patrol officers on horseback and officers on patrol at the US - Mexico border fence

Migrants, part of a caravan of thousands trying to reach the US look through the border fence between Mexico and the United States

Tensions in Tijuana surfaced a few days ago when residents complained about a group of 80 or so LGBT migrants who broke away from the caravan.

They arrived in an upscale part of the Playas de Tijuana neighborhood, near where the stones were thrown.

A popular party town for US tourists, Tijuana has a history of absorbing visitors, including Chinese immigrants in the 19th century.

It has a large American population and some 3,000 Haitians settled in the city, just south of San Diego, in 2016 after failing to cross the US border.

But the arrival of hundreds of members of the caravans has stretched to the limit migrant shelters that were already overflowing with people.

Mexico's Interior Minister Alfonso Navarrete (left) said that job fairs would be held around the country from today to offer opportunities for Central Americans

Donald Trump has declared the caravans an invasion and has sent some 5,800 troops to 'harden' the border

While Tijuana's traditional generosity was also on display, with the government setting up a new shelter and citizens offering food and clothing, a harder attitude also emerged.

Tijuana's city government opened a shelter for 360 people of an estimated 810 that arrived this week, and officials warned there was little room to house more than 2,000 more who are expected to arrive this week.

Meanwhile, US border patrol agents in Arizona have been busy detaining more than 650 illegal immigrants in just two days this week.

Agents in the Yuma Sector said they detained 654 people – most reportedly being family units or unaccompanied minors from Guatemala - on Monday and Tuesday.

Officials said the groups of illegal immigrants are not believed to be associated with the large caravan of mostly Central American migrants that have prompted the military deployment, Fox News reported.

US Customs and Border Protection said Wednesday a group of 55 Central Americans waded across the Colorado River near Yuma and surrendered to agents after walking around vehicle barriers in the area.

Vinny Dulesky, the special operations supervisor for Yuma Sector public affairs, told Fox News on Thursday that the majority of groups came in through the east side of the port of entry and had cut through metal fences to gain entry.

Dulseky said they are predominantly seeing family units and unaccompanied minors attempting to enter the US and that the tactics of the illegal immigrants are changing.

'Instead of trying to avoid us, they are running to us, and claim asylum,” he said. “By doing that, it keeps them in the country longer'.