President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico has opened discussions on potentially receiving non-Mexican deportees as former President Donald Trump revives plans for massive deportations. During Trump's previous term, thousands of asylum seekers were required to wait in Mexico while their requests were processed. In light of these developments, Sheinbaum indicated that Mexico is prepared to collaborate with the United States to return migrants to their countries of origin.
In December, Mexico faced a temporary halt in its deportation operations due to budget constraints. This pause contributed to a significant reduction in deportations throughout 2024 compared to previous years. Sheinbaum emphasized that Mexico is not currently obligated to accept non-Mexican migrants, although they have done so in the past under certain conditions.
"We can collaborate through different mechanisms."
- President Claudia Sheinbaum
The Mexican President suggested that any agreement on accepting non-Mexican deportees might involve limiting deportations to specific nationalities or negotiating compensation from the United States. Sheinbaum also noted that Mexico's border cities, plagued by organized crime, present a dangerous environment for non-Mexican migrants, who are susceptible to kidnapping and extortion.
"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."
- President Claudia Sheinbaum
Sheinbaum proposed hosting a meeting with the region's foreign ministers to address immigration challenges comprehensively. With Cuba and Venezuela often refusing deportation flights from the United States, Mexico could provide an alternative should these countries accept flights originating from Mexico instead.
President Sheinbaum prefaced her comments by stating that Mexico does not favor deporting non-Mexican migrants. However, she acknowledged that there may be instances where collaboration is necessary. Previously, Mexico insisted that Trump return migrants directly to their countries of origin, but there is now consideration for accommodating deportees temporarily.
