Temporary Shelters Underway Across Border Cities
Construction began on January 21 for temporary shelters in Juárez, located just across the Rio Grande from El Paso. By January 23, several of these facilities were nearing completion. Similar projects are in progress in eight other Mexican border cities.
This initiative, known as “Mexico Embraces You,” was announced by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo on January 20. The shelters aim to provide deported Mexican nationals with essential services, including temporary housing, meals, medical care, and job placement assistance. Facilities will also include utilities like drinking water, waste management, and power. To aid deportees in returning to their hometowns, 189 buses are being prepared.
Enrique Serrano, head of Chihuahua’s State Population Council, clarified that the shelters are exclusively for Mexican nationals. Migrants from other countries will be supported by the National Institute of Migration.
Reintroduction of “Remain in Mexico” Policy and Migrant Aid
The Trump administration recently reactivated the Migration Protection Protocols (MPP), also called “Remain in Mexico.” This policy requires non-Mexican asylum seekers to remain in Mexico while their U.S. cases are processed. Mexico’s approval is required before the policy can be fully implemented. President Sheinbaum Pardo has indicated her likely cooperation.
While the new shelters will not accommodate non-Mexican migrants, three federally operated facilities in Juárez continue to provide humanitarian support to asylum seekers. Sheinbaum Pardo reaffirmed Mexico’s commitment to helping migrants, especially during extreme winter conditions in regions like Chihuahua. She also stated that the Mexican government would assist foreign migrants in returning to their countries if needed.
Border Controls Reduce Migrant Crossings
The El Paso Sector has seen a 63% decline in migrant encounters, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data. This decrease is partly due to Mexico’s stricter policies, which prevent migrants near its southern border from traveling northward.
Through these shelters and coordinated efforts, Mexico is addressing the impact of evolving U.S. immigration policies. By combining humanitarian support with logistical preparation, the country aims to provide deported citizens with essential services while managing migration challenges along its northern border.