Sheinbaum Rejects Trump's Mass Deportation Plans

Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly rejected the idea of mass deportations by the US, especially any plans involving military intervention. While she confirmed that Mexico would welcome its citizens facing deportation, Sheinbaum emphasized that her government does not support treating migrants as criminals.

In a press conference on November 21, Sheinbaum addressed growing concerns surrounding US immigration policy and reiterated Mexico's stance on protecting human rights. "Mexico will always receive our nationals, but we are against the criminalization of migrants," she said.

Sheinbaum Responds to Canadian Provinces’ Proposal to Exit USMCA

Mexico’s President also responded to recent calls from 13 provincial and territorial leaders in Canada, who have suggested that their country pursue a separate trade agreement with the US and consider leaving the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement).

Sheinbaum recalled her recent meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during the G20 Summit, where the two leaders discussed the importance of maintaining the trade pact. "Prime Minister Trudeau does not agree with those advocating for Canada's exit from the USMCA," Sheinbaum said, noting that Trudeau made it clear he does not support the views of the dissenting politicians.

The discussion also touched on specific trade concerns, including the growing role of Chinese companies in the electric vehicle market. "Trudeau asked me about a Chinese brand that manufactures electric vehicles, and we agreed that addressing trade issues within the framework of the USMCA is the best approach," Sheinbaum explained.

Texas Offers Land for Potential Mass Deportations

Texas has offered rural land along its border with Mexico for use in potential mass deportations during President-elect Donald Trump’s administration.

The land, located in Starr County, Texas, was purchased by the state in October and is situated in the Rio Grande Valley. Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham extended the offer to Trump in a letter sent Thursday, signaling continued support for the controversial policy of mass deportations.

This land offer highlights the stark divide between local governments and the federal government over immigration policy. Many states, including Texas, remain committed to backing Trump’s hardline stance on immigration, while others, including some border communities, oppose the approach.

Surge in Mexican Migration Due to Violence

The migration crisis at the US-Mexico border has been further exacerbated by rising violence in Mexico.

Increased displacement, particularly from states such as Chiapas, Michoacán, and Guerrero, is driving more Mexicans to seek refuge in the US. According to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the number of Mexicans detained at the border has increased by 211% during the presidency of López Obrador. This surge is largely attributed to the growing violence from organized crime and drug cartels that is displacing vulnerable populations.

Mexico to Meet with Trump in February on USMCA Review

Mexico is preparing to meet with President-elect Donald Trump in February to discuss potential revisions to the USMCA ahead of its 2026 renegotiation.

Marcelo Ebrard, Mexico's Secretary of Economy, confirmed that the government is preparing for these critical talks. "We expect to meet with President Trump in February to discuss the future of the agreement. We know he likes to move quickly, so we are ready to engage in those discussions," Ebrard said.

CNDH Monitors Migrant Caravan

The National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) is actively monitoring the migrant caravan that departed from Tapachula, Chiapas, on November 5.

Currently in Santiago Niltepec, Oaxaca, the caravan includes thousands of migrants from Venezuela, Cuba, Colombia, Guatemala, and Honduras. The group, which includes families, children, elderly adults, pregnant women, and members of the LGBTI+ community, is being accompanied by CNDH personnel to ensure their safety and human rights are upheld as they journey toward the US border.