As Donald Trump prepares to enforce stricter immigration policies, Mexico readies itself with new shelters for returning citizens.
At a Glance
- Mexico plans to open 25 new shelters for citizens deported from the U.S.
- The shelters are located in Tijuana, Mexicali, and other strategic areas.
- Each facility can accommodate up to 500 individuals.
- Only Mexican nationals will be housed temporarily post-deportation.
- The initiative responds to anticipated mass deportations following Trump’s policies.
Mexico’s Response to Trump Policies
The Mexican government plans to establish 25 shelters to accommodate citizens deported from the U.S., expecting significant deportations under President-elect Donald Trump’s stricter policies. Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda announced the initiative, with facilities located in Tijuana and Mexicali among others. These shelters are intended for Mexicans deported after January 20, Trump’s inauguration day, with a capacity to harbor 500 individuals per shelter before they return to their hometowns. Each facility will be segregated by gender and family status.
This measure aims to uphold the human rights of deported citizens and assist in their reintegration. Governor Ávila Olmeda emphasized, “These shelters that are being planned are for those being repatriated who are coming from north to south, but no foreigners, only Mexicans, this must be made clear — Mexicans will be welcomed back to their country and their human rights will be respected”.
The Mexican government announced it will open 25 new shelters to house deported migrants following President-elect Donald Trump’s plan for mass deportations.https://t.co/2IFRBmT4S0
— KTLA (@KTLA) December 25, 2024
Challenges and Cooperation
Trump’s administration plans to enforce stricter deportation policies, rallying support from South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem as Homeland Security secretary and Tom Homan as “border czar”. Additionally, Stephen Miller, known for his firm views on immigration, has been selected as White House deputy chief of staff for policy, signaling a robust stance on immigration enforcement.
Anticipating collaboration, Trump conversed with Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo about tackling migration through Mexico and curbing drugs inflow. Nonetheless, Sheinbaum rejected Trump’s narrative, stating Mexico’s goal to “build bridges, not close borders”.
Trump has indicated securing the southern border will be a priority from day one in office, planning large-scale deportations of illegal criminals, empowering law enforcement to identify and deport them. Strategies might include revisiting Trump-era policies like Title 42, previously utilized to return migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, Mexican officials continue to brace for the projected deportation wave while affirming a diplomatic and cooperative approach with the U.S.
Infrastructure and Facilities
The newly proposed infrastructure will host Mexican nationals only, ensuring no foreign nationals are included in these provisions. More than 12,000 beds are planned across the 25 shelters, with specific accommodations for families, single men and women, and unaccompanied minors. Five of these shelters will be strategically positioned near San Diego, and two south of El Centro, California.
Amid these developments, Trump threatened escalating tariffs against Mexico if it fails in assisting to address illegal immigration, with potential hikes reaching up to 100%. Mexico, on its part, continues to fortify its border enforcement, eager to diplomatically navigate the impending challenges while responsibly managing the upcoming humanitarian demands.
