Mexico Signals Country Could Receive Non-Mexican Deportees From Trump

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Friday said that her country may accept non-Mexican migrants deported from the United States, marking a shift from its earlier stance of urging President-elect Donald Trump to deport individuals of other nationalities directly to their countries of origin. Why It Matters Trump has vowed to launch widespread deportations, but critics warn that significantly increasing the already substantial deportation figures will pose major logistical challenges. Trump’s flagship immigration policy is part of an effort to “secure the border” and curb migration figures as well as stop the flow of drugs entering the country. What To Know The impact of mass deportations would be acutely felt in Mexico’s northern border cities, where high levels of organized crime create a dangerous environment. Non-Mexican migrants deported to these areas could become vulnerable targets for kidnapping and extortion. During Trump’s first term, thousands of asylum seekers were required to remain in Mexico while their cases were processed in the U.S. Additionally, under a pandemic-era public health policy, tens of thousands of migrants who crossed into the United States were returned to Mexico. In December, Sheinbaum announced plans to request that Trump deport non-Mexican migrants directly to their home countries, rather than sending them to Mexico. However, during a press briefing on Friday, Sheinbaum said that Mexico is open to collaborating on cases where the U.S. cannot deport migrants directly to their home countries. In an aerial view, a law enforcement vehicle patrols the U.S. side of the Rio Grande on January 02, 2025, in El Paso, Texas. On Friday, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum signaled that the country may… In an aerial view, a law enforcement vehicle patrols the U.S. side of the Rio Grande on January 02, 2025, in El Paso, Texas. On Friday, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum signaled that the country may receive non-Mexican deportees from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Brandon Bell/Getty Images Mexico’s Recent Actions With Non-Mexican Migrants Mexico is under no obligation to accept non-Mexican migrants, but it has done so in recent years, particularly for individuals from countries like Cuba and Venezuela. These nations often reject deportation flights from the United States but are more likely to accept them when originating from Mexico. In December 2023, Mexico temporarily halted deportations due to budget constraints. Deportation efforts remained significantly scaled back throughout 2024 compared to levels seen in 2023 and 2022. What People Are Saying Mexican President Sheinbaum said during her Friday press briefing that Mexico is open to collaborating on cases where the U.S. cannot deport migrants directly to their home countries. “We can collaborate through different mechanisms,” she said. While she did not elaborate, potential options might include limiting the agreement to specific nationalities or requesting financial support from the U.S. to facilitate the deportees’ return to their home countries from Mexico. “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 said, while emphasizing that Mexico does not support the deportations. Trump-Vance transition team spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt previously told Newsweek: “President Trump will enlist every federal power and coordinate with state authorities to institute the largest deportation operation of illegal criminals, drug dealers and human traffickers in American history while simultaneously lowering costs for families. “The American people reelected President Trump by a resounding margin, giving him a mandate to implement the promises he made on the campaign trail, like deporting migrant criminals and restoring our economic greatness. He will deliver.” What’s Next The president-elect is expected to sign a series of executive orders on “day one” of his administration focusing on mass deportations and border security. After regaining control of the presidency and Senate, along with the House, Trump and the GOP could face minimal resistance in enacting their immigration agenda. This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.