MEXICO CITY — On Friday, Mexico signaled a possible shift in its approach regarding the reception of migrants deported by the United States. This came after an initial stance where officials expressed intent to urge President-elect Donald Trump to directly return migrants from other nations to their respective countries.
During her regular press briefing, President Claudia Sheinbaum mentioned that Mexico could explore various collaborative mechanisms in instances where the U.S. does not return certain migrants to their home countries. Although specifics were not disclosed, the country could choose to limit such actions to certain nationalities or potentially seek compensation from the U.S. for the costs associated with transporting deported individuals back to their countries.
Sheinbaum noted, “There will be time to speak with the United States government if these deportations really happen, but we will receive them here, we are going to receive them properly and we have a plan.” She emphasized that although Mexico would be accommodating deportees, the country does not endorse the deportation policy.
Trump’s administration has indicated a commitment to carry out widespread deportations. Observers have pointed out that increasing deportation figures significantly could present logistical hurdles, given the existing high levels.
The anticipated deportations could have an immediate impact on border cities in northern Mexico, which already grapple with high rates of organized crime. Non-Mexican migrants in these areas could become targets for crimes such as kidnapping and extortion. This situation echoes events from Trump’s first term, where many migrants seeking asylum in the U.S. were forced to wait in Mexico, and countless others were sent back under a public health directive related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Previously, in December, Sheinbaum had indicated plans to request that Trump enact direct deportations of non-Mexican migrants to their countries of origin.
While Mexico is not obligated to accept deportees from other nations, it has done so in recent instances, particularly with migrants from Cuba and Venezuela. These countries frequently decline deportation flights from the U.S. but might be willing to accept them from Mexico.
Deportations were temporarily halted in Mexico in December 2023 due to budget constraints, and numbers were notably lower in 2024 compared to both 2023 and 2022.
Additionally, Mexico is aiming to convene a meeting with foreign ministers from the region this month to address immigration issues.
