Mexico is seeking to negotiate an agreement with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to avoid receiving deportees from third countries, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Thursday. This proposed deal would aim to limit the influx of non-Mexican migrants being returned across the U.S.-Mexico border, a situation that could significantly strain Mexico’s resources.
A similar arrangement exists with the outgoing Biden administration, where deportees are sent directly to their countries of origin rather than through Mexico. “We hope to establish a similar agreement with the Trump administration,” Sheinbaum said during a press conference. While emphasizing Mexico’s solidarity with migrants, she clarified that Mexico’s primary responsibility is to its own citizens.
Preparations for Potential Deportations
In light of the potential for large-scale deportations, Sheinbaum’s administration is coordinating with governors of Mexico’s border states—including Baja California, Sonora, and Tamaulipas—to create a unified plan to manage returning Mexican nationals. “We hope mass deportations don’t happen, but if they do, we will be ready,” she assured.
Mixed Messages on Border Policies
Sheinbaum’s comments followed a phone call with Trump on November 27, which she described as “excellent.” Trump, in contrast, characterized the conversation on Truth Social as an agreement to “effectively close the border,” a claim Sheinbaum firmly denied. “We would never propose closing the border—it’s not our approach and never will be,” she said, adding that Trump’s interpretation of their discussion reflects his own style of communication.
Tensions Over Trade and Migration
The call marked the first direct dialogue between Sheinbaum and Trump since his threats to impose steep tariffs on Mexican goods. Sheinbaum has warned that Mexico would respond with counter-tariffs if such measures were implemented.
Meanwhile, Mexico has been actively addressing issues at the border, including drug trafficking and migrant flows. This week, authorities announced the largest fentanyl seizure in the country’s history, confiscating over a ton of the synthetic opioid in Sinaloa. Additionally, since Sheinbaum took office on October 1, approximately 5,200 migrants are being detained daily within Mexico’s borders.
Migrants at the Border
The U.S.-Mexico border has become a focal point for migrants worldwide, with people from Central America, Venezuela, Cuba, and even China arriving in hopes of entering the U.S. In 2022 alone, U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported over half a million encounters with migrants from various nations.
Panama Takes a Stand
Other Latin American nations are also responding to the potential influx of deportees. On Thursday, Panama’s Foreign Ministry stated it would refuse to accept non-Panamanian deportees from the U.S., citing its obligation to protect its national interests.
Trump’s Position
Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for Trump’s team, reaffirmed his commitment to enforcing strict immigration policies. “President-elect Trump has been given a mandate by the American people to stop illegal immigration, secure the border, and deport criminals and terrorists,” she said.
