Mexico announced Friday it is open to receiving non-Mexican migrants deported by the United States, a shift from its earlier stance of urging President Trump to send deportees directly to their countries of origin.
President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the issue during her daily press briefing, signaling Mexico’s willingness to collaborate in cases where the U.S. is unable to return migrants to their home countries. “We can collaborate through different mechanisms,” Sheinbaum said, though she offered no specifics. Mexico could potentially limit the agreement to certain nationalities or seek compensation from the U.S. to facilitate the transportation of deportees from Mexico to their home countries.
“There will be time to speak with the United States government if these deportations really happen,” Sheinbaum added. “We will receive them here, we are going to receive them properly, and we have a plan.”
In December, President Sheinbaum had stated her intention to press the incoming Trump administration to deport non-Mexican migrants directly to their home countries, emphasizing Mexico’s preference for minimizing its role in the process. While countries like Cuba and Venezuela often refuse deportation flights from the U.S., they have been more willing to accept repatriation from Mexico, a potential factor in the policy shift.
Mexico has previously accepted non-Mexican deportees under bilateral agreements, but the practice was significantly reduced in 2024. Deportations from Mexico were temporarily halted in December 2023, further complicating the country’s immigration system.
To address the broader challenges posed by migration, Mexico has proposed hosting a regional meeting of foreign ministers this month. The goal of the meeting is to discuss cooperative solutions to migration issues, including the management of deportations and the humanitarian needs of migrants stranded in transit countries.
Mexico’s evolving stance indicates a willingness to negotiate with the Trump administration and potentially play a pivotal role in shaping immigration policies.
