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Mexican officials are intensifying their preparations for an expected surge in migrant deportations from the United States as President-Elect Donald Trump’s inauguration approaches. President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration has unveiled several initiatives, including a new emergency alert system for migrants and additional shelter facilities along the border.
The Mexican government’s response gained momentum following a December security meeting between President Sheinbaum and border state governors. The preparation efforts have expanded to include the establishment of numerous shelters for returning migrants.
The tables have turned ‼️
“The Mexican government says they will open 25 new shelters to house deport deported migrants”
Mexico will NOT keep and support them, within days they’ll be shipped back to their home countries, “The facilities will only house Mexican migrants for a… pic.twitter.com/A6lkZBDxKy
— Wall Street Apes (@WallStreetApes) December 30, 2024
During a pre-Christmas announcement in Tijuana, Baja California’s Governor Marina del Pilar Avila Olmeda revealed plans for six shelters in the city opposite San Diego, with two more facilities planned for Mexicali near the Calexico border. These facilities will serve as temporary housing for deported Mexican citizens awaiting transportation to their original communities within Mexico.
The government’s preparation efforts extend beyond physical infrastructure. Foreign Affairs Secretary Juan Ramon de la Fuente disclosed plans for a mobile application featuring an emergency alert function for migrants facing potential detention by U.S. immigration authorities. The app, scheduled for release in January, will enable immediate notification of family members and Mexican consular officials when detentions occur.
A CBP insider, speaking anonymously, commended Mexico’s proactive stance but suggested that Mexican nationals might not represent the primary challenge. The source indicated that security concerns regarding Venezuelan gang members, known criminals, and inadequately vetted Special Interest Aliens might take precedence in deportation efforts.
20241227 MEXICO TO OPEN 25 SHELTERS FOR ILLEGAL ALIENS DEPORTED FROM THE U.S. pic.twitter.com/55rUPUt2HA
— Robert Waloven (@comlabman) December 28, 2024
Previous experiences suggest Mexico could face substantial daily arrivals at southwest border crossings. During Trump’s first term, the Migrant Protection Protocol resulted in approximately 70,000 migrants waiting in Mexico for U.S. asylum proceedings, requiring significant local resources for shelter and sustenance.
Mexican authorities anticipate challenges from non-Mexican migrants in the upcoming deportations. President Sheinbaum has requested that U.S. deportations be limited to Mexican citizens. At a recent press conference, she mentioned that Foreign Affairs Secretary de la Fuente is coordinating with other nations whose citizens transit through Mexico to arrange direct repatriation. However, the CBP source suggests this might prove challenging if the Remain in Mexico program resumes.
