What will Mexico do if Trump tries to mass deport non-Mexicans across the border?

Thu Jan 16 23:20:00 UTC 2025: **Mexico Braces for Trump’s Deportation Plans, Uncertain About Third-Country Nationals**

MEXICO CITY – Mexico is preparing for a potential surge in deportations from the United States under the incoming Trump administration, but the country faces a significant challenge: the potential pressure to accept not only Mexican citizens but also migrants from other countries.

President Claudia Sheinbaum has pledged to welcome back Mexican citizens facing deportation, outlining plans to increase aid for returnees. However, the response to potential pressure to accept asylum seekers and other migrants from countries like Venezuela remains unclear. While Mexico has no legal obligation to accept non-Mexican nationals, past economic pressure from the U.S. has led to concessions.

Trump’s administration is reportedly considering reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” and Title 42 policies, which previously returned tens of thousands of non-Mexican asylum seekers to Mexico. While Sheinbaum initially preferred direct repatriation to home countries, recent statements suggest a willingness to cooperate with the U.S. on accepting some third-country nationals, though under unspecified terms. Analysts predict Mexico will seek limitations on numbers and nationalities.

The Biden administration’s agreement with Mexico to accept up to 30,000 expelled migrants monthly from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela provides a precedent, but the situation could escalate significantly if Trump seeks to return migrants residing within the U.S.

Migrants in Mexico are closely watching the situation, with many viewing remaining in Mexico as undesirable due to existing challenges and the perception of stricter enforcement policies in Mexico itself. The potential cancellation of the CBP One app, used by asylum seekers to schedule U.S. entry appointments, adds to their anxiety. With the looming threat of deportations, the pressure on Mexico to navigate its relationship with the U.S. under the incoming Trump administration is immense.

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