MEXICO CITY — On Friday, Mexico announced plans to enhance its support for other nations in Latin America and the Caribbean in response to the ongoing migration crisis in the region. This decision comes just days before the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has pledged to enact mass deportations.
The declaration was made by Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Secretary, Juan Ramón de la Fuente, following a two-day closed conference that included officials and representatives from 11 countries within the region.
This gathering, chaired by De la Fuente alongside the Honduran foreign minister in Mexico City, was part of a series of summits aimed at formulating a comprehensive strategy to address the rising levels of migration throughout the Americas. Among those in attendance were government leaders from Colombia, Cuba, Guatemala, Haiti, Venezuela, Brazil, Belize, Costa Rica, and El Salvador.
During his remarks, De la Fuente acknowledged that “significant changes are imminent” in the United States, the primary destination for many migrants crossing Latin America.
He also shared that President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration is committed to expanding aid initiatives in various countries facing migration challenges, although specific details were limited.
For several years, Mexico has engaged in humanitarian projects spanning more than 20 countries, particularly those that serve as the primary origin points for migrants, like Honduras, Colombia, Venezuela, and Haiti. In 2024, the Mexican government has set aside over $108 million to support this effort.
This announcement comes amid growing uncertainty in Latin America, as some leaders express concerns about the possible ramifications of Trump’s threats surrounding mass deportations following his upcoming inauguration on January 20.
In a related move, Sheinbaum has indicated a willingness to accept non-Mexican migrants who are deported by the United States. Additionally, plans are underway to create a mobile application that would allow migrants currently in the U.S. to notify their families and consulates when they are at risk of detention.
