SAN DIEGO (Border Report) -- About 300 business owners in the Mexican border state of Baja California have filed claims of extortion, and leaders want the state to step in.

Gina Villalobos, president of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce for Services and Tourism, is promoting a bill in congress mandating any accusations be investigated by the state automatically, without victims having to file an official complaint.

In cities like Tijuana, most businesses, large and small, are under the threat of violence and vandalism unless monthly payments are made.

"After any claim, made by anyone, including the media, this should be done. This would be a significant step forward," Villalobos said. "Right now, the only way it's considered a crime is if the victim officially denounces the person

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