Mexico is preparing for a potential surge in deportations from the United States under President-elect Donald TrumpS administration. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed hope for an agreement with the incoming Trump administration to limit the number of third-country deportees Mexico would receive.
Sheinbaum’s statement comes as the current Biden administration has a deal in place to send deportees directly to their countries of origin. However, with trump’s focus on stricter immigration policies, mexico is bracing for a potential shift.
“We hope to have an agreement with the Trump administration,” Sheinbaum said during her daily press conference. “We are in solidarity with everyone, but [Mexico’s] main function is to receive Mexicans.”
Anticipating a possible influx of deportees, Sheinbaum announced plans to meet with governors of mexican border states – Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas – to coordinate a response. “We can agree on how to receive our compatriots,” she stated.
“We hope [mass deportations] don’t happen, but if they do, we will be ready to receive them,” Sheinbaum added, highlighting Mexico’s commitment to assisting its citizens.
A spokesperson for the Trump transition team,Karoline Leavitt,emphasized Trump’s campaign promise to address illegal immigration. “Trump was given a mandate by the American people to stop the invasion of illegal immigrants, secure the border, and deport risky criminals and terrorists,” Leavitt said in a statement to CNN.
Mexico City, Mexico – Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has refuted claims made by former U.S. President Donald Trump that she agreed to shut down the U.S.-Mexico border during a recent phone call. The conversation, which focused on the ongoing fentanyl crisis and border security, has sparked controversy over the potential for increased cooperation or escalating tensions between the two nations.
“Everyone has their own way of communicating, but I can assure you, I give you the certainty that we would never — and we would be incapable of it — propose that we would close the border,” Sheinbaum stated firmly. “It has never been our approach and of course we don’t agree with that.”
The call, which Trump described as “wonderful” on his social media platform Truth Social, took place on November 27th. Trump asserted that Sheinbaum had “agreed to stop migration through Mexico, and into the United States, effectively closing our Southern Border.” However, sheinbaum vehemently denied this claim.
This exchange marks the first dialogue between the two leaders since Trump threatened to impose important tariffs on Mexican goods during his presidency, citing concerns about illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Sheinbaum has previously warned of potential retaliatory tariffs from Mexico in response to such measures.
In a move to demonstrate Mexico’s commitment to addressing the fentanyl crisis,the Mexican government announced what it described as the largest fentanyl bust in the country’s history on November 28th. Over a ton of the synthetic opioid was seized in two raids conducted in Sinaloa, a state notorious for cartel activity. Just hours later, the government released data indicating that an average of approximately 5,200 migrants have been detained daily in Mexico since Sheinbaum assumed office on October 1st.
The recent developments highlight the complex and multifaceted challenges facing both the United States and Mexico. As the two countries grapple with issues like migration, drug trafficking, and trade relations, the tone and substance of their interactions will continue to be closely watched.
The US-Mexico border has become a focal point for global migration, attracting individuals from across the world seeking entry into the United States. As 2022, US Customs and Border Protection has recorded an average of over half a million encounters annually with migrants from Central American nations, including El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. The agency has also documented thousands of encounters with migrants from Venezuela, cuba, and increasingly, China, among other countries.
This influx of migrants has sparked international discussions about responsibility and border security. In a recent statement, the Panamanian Foreign Ministry declared that the country would not accept deportees from the United States who are not Panamanian nationals.
“Considering international law, we have no obligation to accept deportees of nationalities other than Panamanian. We wish to maintain relations with the United states always within the framework of mutual respect,” the ministry stated.
“This Foreign Ministry clearly understands that our main mission is to protect the interests of the Republic of Panama,” it added.
The statement comes as the incoming Trump administration has pledged to take a hard line on immigration.Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for the Trump team, told CNN that the president-elect received a mandate from the American people to address what she called “the invasion of illegal immigrants, secure the border and deport dangerous criminals and terrorists” who make their communities less safe. “He will comply,” she said.
This story has been updated with additional details.
Reporting contributed by Veronica Calderon, Elizabeth González and Mauricio Torres
## World Today News: Exclusive Interview on US-Mexico Relations
**World Today News:** President Sheinbaum, thank you for speaking with us today amidst rising concerns about potential policy changes on immigration between Mexico and the United States.
**President Sheinbaum:** It is a pleasure too speak with you.
**WTN:** let’s address the elephant in the room: the potential for a surge in deportations from the US under the incoming Trump administration.Your recent comments about hoping for an agreement limiting third-country deportees have sparked much discussion.
Can you elaborate on Mexico’s position and the challenges you anticipate?
**President Sheinbaum:** mexico has always been a nation committed to humanitarian principles. We welcome our Mexican citizens who might potentially be returning, providing them with the necessary support and resources.
Though, we are also facing a complex situation. As you mentioned, the current agreement facilitates deportations directly to countries of origin. A shift towards sending more individuals to Mexico, regardless of their nationality, would strain our resources and present notable logistical challenges.
**WTN:** So, you are preparing for a possible influx regardless of the outcome of talks with the incoming administration?
**President Sheinbaum:** Yes, we are taking a proactive approach. we have initiated discussions with the governors of border states to coordinate a cohesive response and ensure a smooth transition in case of increased deportations. Our goal is to ensure that anyone arriving in Mexico receives the necessary assistance and is treated with dignity.
**WTN:** Regarding a possible agreement with the trump administration, how optimistic are you about reaching a mutually beneficial solution?
**President Sheinbaum:**
We remain hopeful. Open and respectful dialog is essential in addressing complex issues like migration. We understand the concerns of the incoming administration regarding border security, but we also want to emphasize the importance of humane treatment and international cooperation.
**WTN:** You recently refuted claims made by former President Trump regarding a potential border closure agreement. Could you clarify your stance on this issue?
**President Sheinbaum:**
Let me be crystal clear: Mexico would never agree to closing the border. Such a measure would have devastating economic and social consequences for both our countries. Our focus is on finding collaborative solutions that address the root causes of migration, strengthen border security without resorting to extreme measures, and uphold the human rights of all individuals.
**WTN:** Looking ahead, what are your priorities in strengthening the US-Mexico relationship under the new administration?
**President Sheinbaum:**
Our priorities remain unchanged: promoting economic cooperation, addressing shared security challenges such as drug trafficking and organized crime, and fostering understanding and respect between our two nations. We believe that dialogue, collaboration, and a commitment to mutually beneficial solutions are the pathway to a strong and enduring partnership.
**WTN:** Thank you for your time and insights, Madam President.
**President Sheinbaum:** It was my pleasure.
