Mexico Prepares for Mass Deportations of Citizens from the U.S. Under Trump Administration
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Loading... - Claire James
- 03 Jan 2025
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As President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration day approaches, Mexico is reportedly ramping up preparations to handle a potential influx of its citizens being deported from the United States. Trump has made promises of mass deportations targeting millions of undocumented immigrants who have crossed the U.S.-Mexico border in recent years.
In anticipation of these mass deportations, the Mexican government has initiated several measures. One significant step is the rollout of a smartphone app called "Alert Button," designed to allow undocumented immigrants to alert family members and the nearest Mexican consulate if they are at risk of detention by U.S. authorities. This app aims to provide a safety net for individuals facing deportation.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has also announced plans to open at least 25 new migrant shelters in border cities to accommodate the returning migrants. Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Avila Olmeda confirmed that six shelters will be established in Tijuana and two in Mexicali.
An anonymous source within Customs and Border Protection (CBP) indicated that while Mexico should prepare for the return of its citizens, the situation may not be as severe as anticipated. The source noted that migrants from Mexico are not posing the same level of security threats as those from other countries. Instead, the focus may be on expelling individuals from nations with known criminal elements, such as Venezuela, rather than a large number of Mexican citizens.
In her statements, Sheinbaum emphasized that her Foreign Affairs Secretary, Juan Ramon de la Fuente, is collaborating with other countries to ensure that their citizens, who may have entered the U.S. through Mexico, are returned directly to their home countries. This approach aims to streamline the deportation process and manage the potential influx of migrants more effectively.
Reports suggest that Mexico could see thousands of migrants returning daily, reminiscent of past programs implemented during Trump’s first term, such as the Remain in Mexico policy. This program required asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their claims were processed in the U.S., leading to significant challenges for both countries.
As the Trump administration prepares to implement its immigration policies, Mexico is taking proactive steps to manage the potential consequences of mass deportations. The establishment of shelters, the introduction of supportive technology, and international collaboration reflect Mexico's commitment to addressing the complexities of migration and ensuring the well-being of its citizens. The situation remains fluid, and the effectiveness of these measures will depend on the evolving political and social landscape in both countries.
