The President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, announced this Tuesday that her Government will begin the repatriation of migrants stranded in Mexican territory as a result of the new immigration restrictions imposed by the administration of former United States President Donald Trump.
This measure will mainly affect Latin American migrants, including Cubans, who have been trapped in the country following the immigration policies of the new US president.
In his press conference, Sheinbaum detailed that the Mexican Government has established agreements with several Central American countries, as well as with Cuba, to facilitate the return of these migrants to their countries of origin.
“We would look for mechanisms through immigration policy and foreign policy to guarantee their return. There are agreements with Guatemala, with practically all Central American countries, and there was a meeting last week for this. There is also an agreement with Cuba,” said the president.
In addition, he highlighted that Mexico will offer “humanitarian attention” to migrants, especially those who cannot continue their journey to the United States due to new immigration restrictions.
However, Sheinbaum called on the new United States Government to assume the responsibility to directly deport undocumented migrants to their countries of origininstead of sending them to Mexico.
The announcement comes in the context of the recent reestablishment of the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), also known as “Stay in Mexico,” which forces asylum seekers in the United States to wait in the country. Mexican while their cases are resolved.
This program, which was suspended by the Joe Biden administration and then reinstated on Monday by Trump, has caused thousands of migrants to become trapped in Mexican border cities, such as Tijuana and Ciudad Juárez, living in precarious conditions.
Sheinbaum assured that Mexico cannot take care of these migrants in the long term, so it will seek their return to their countries of origin within the framework of its immigration policy.
“If they are in Mexican territory, we serve them for humanitarian reasons, but our objective is, within our immigration policy, to facilitate their return,” he stated.
Furthermore, the president recalled that the migrants found in Mexico as a result of the cancellation of the ‘CBP One’ application to request US asylum they will also be informed about the new restrictions.
“It is important for migrants to know that, as we have explained since October, they will not be able to enter the United States,” he added.
Sheinbaum’s announcement has great implications both for the migratory flow in Mexico and for the bilateral relationship between both countries.
Mexico, which is the main country of origin for undocumented migrants in the United States, could face an increase in mass deportations, which would mainly affect remittances, which represent almost 4% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The president pointed out that, although the repatriations will be voluntary, the Mexican Government is willing to continue with its comprehensive humanitarian policy to care for migrants while facilitating their return.
“In some cases, if they do not wish to return, migrants may opt for voluntary repatriation,” Sheinbaum said.
Mexico is in talks with the United States Government to define cooperation mechanisms in this new phase of repatriations and humanitarian assistance.
Although Sheinbaum did not clarify whether the Mexican Government would assume the costs of the repatriations or if the United States would finance this process, he made it clear that the necessary steps are being taken to face the challenge of migration jointly.
The day before, Trump canceled the mobile application CBP One that allowed migrants to request appointments and asylum in North American territory.
Thousands of undocumented immigrants were stranded and devastated by the news at the border.
He also signed 10 decrees, including the declaration of a National Emergency to mobilize troops from the Department of Defense and the National Guard to reinforce control of the border with Mexico.
Also approved was the reestablishment of the Stay in Mexico program, a policy implemented for the first time in 2019 that forces asylum seekers to wait in Mexican territory while their asylum cases are processed in the United States.
Another program that came to an end after Donald Trump’s inauguration was the humanitarian parole that benefited Cubans, Venezuelans, Haitians and Nicaraguans.
Frequently asked questions about migrant repatriation in Mexico under Trump policies
Why has Mexico decided to repatriate stranded migrants?
Mexico has decided to repatriate migrants due to new immigration restrictions imposed by Donald Trump’s administration that have caused many migrants to remain trapped in the country. President Claudia Sheinbaum seeks to facilitate their return to their countries of origin in coordination with the affected nations.
What implications does the reestablishment of the “Stay in Mexico” program have for migrants?
The restoration of the “Stay in Mexico” program forces asylum seekers in the United States to wait in Mexican territory while their cases are processed. This has meant that many migrants find themselves in precarious conditions in border cities such as Tijuana and Ciudad Juárez.
What role does Cuba play in Mexico’s repatriation plan?
Cuba has established an agreement with Mexico to facilitate the return of Cuban migrants who were trapped due to Trump’s immigration policies. This is part of Mexico’s efforts to manage the regional migration crisis.
What humanitarian measures will Mexico offer migrants during the repatriation process?
Mexico will offer humanitarian attention to migrants who cannot continue their trip to the United States due to new restrictions. This includes assistance while arranging their return to their countries of origin.
