Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Tuesday that her administration will initiate the repatriation of migrants stranded in Mexico due to the stringent immigration policies enforced by former U.S. President Donald Trump. This decision primarily impacts Latin American migrants, including Cubans, who have been caught in limbo following the changes in U.S. immigration strategy.
During a press briefing, Sheinbaum outlined that the Mexican government has established agreements with various Central American nations, as well as Cuba, to facilitate the safe return of these migrants to their countries of origin. "We are exploring mechanisms through immigration and foreign policy to ensure their return. Agreements are in place with Guatemala and nearly all Central American countries, and a meeting was held last week to further this cause. There is also an agreement with Cuba," Sheinbaum stated.
Sheinbaum emphasized that Mexico will provide "humanitarian assistance" to those migrants who can no longer proceed to the United States due to the new immigration restrictions. Nonetheless, she urged the new U.S. administration to take responsibility for deporting undocumented migrants directly to their home countries rather than sending them to Mexico.
Impact of the "Remain in Mexico" Policy
The announcement comes amidst the recent reinstatement of the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), commonly known as "Remain in Mexico," which mandates asylum seekers in the U.S. to await their proceedings in Mexican territory. Suspended by the Biden administration and later reintroduced on Monday by Trump, this program has left thousands of migrants stranded in Mexican border cities like Tijuana and Ciudad Juárez, living in challenging conditions.
Sheinbaum clarified that Mexico cannot support these migrants indefinitely and will prioritize their return as part of its immigration policy. "If they are on Mexican soil, we provide humanitarian aid, but our objective is to facilitate their repatriation within our immigration framework," she asserted.
Consequences for U.S.-Mexico Relations
The president also highlighted that migrants in Mexico due to the cancellation of the 'CBP One' app, which allowed for U.S. asylum requests, will be informed about the new restrictions. "It is crucial for migrants to understand that, as we have stated since October, they will not be able to enter the United States," she added.
Sheinbaum's announcement holds significant implications for both migration patterns within Mexico and the bilateral relationship between Mexico and the United States. As the principal source of undocumented migrants in the U.S., Mexico might face an increase in mass deportations, potentially impacting remittances, which comprise nearly 4% of the nation's GDP.
While Sheinbaum indicated that repatriations would be voluntary, the Mexican government is committed to continuing its comprehensive humanitarian policy to assist migrants while facilitating their return. "In some cases, if they choose not to return, migrants can opt for voluntary repatriation," she mentioned.
Mexico is currently in discussions with the U.S. government to determine cooperation mechanisms in this new phase of repatriations and humanitarian assistance. Although Sheinbaum did not specify whether Mexico or the United States would cover the repatriation costs, she assured that efforts are underway to address the migration challenge collaboratively.
The previous day, Trump terminated the mobile app CBP One, which allowed migrants to schedule appointments and apply for asylum on U.S. soil. Thousands of undocumented individuals were left stranded and disheartened by the news at the border. Furthermore, Trump signed 10 executive orders, including a National Emergency declaration to mobilize Defense Department and National Guard personnel to strengthen border control with Mexico. The reimplementation of the "Remain in Mexico" program, first introduced in 2019, was also approved, obliging asylum seekers to wait in Mexico as their cases are processed in the U.S. Another program that ended with Trump's inauguration was the humanitarian parole, which benefited Cubans, Venezuelans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans.
Key Questions on the Repatriation of Migrants from Mexico
What is the "Remain in Mexico" policy?
The "Remain in Mexico" policy, officially known as the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), requires asylum seekers to stay in Mexico while their cases are processed in the United States.
How is Mexico planning to assist stranded migrants?
Mexico plans to provide humanitarian assistance and facilitate the voluntary repatriation of stranded migrants through agreements with their home countries.
What are the implications of Trump's immigration policies for Mexico?
Trump's immigration policies, including the reinstatement of "Remain in Mexico" and the cancellation of the CBP One app, have led to an increase in stranded migrants at the Mexican border, challenging Mexico's capacity to manage the situation.