Background on Claudia Sheinbaum and Her Role
Claudia Sheinbaum is the President of Mexico City, a role she has held since 2018. Although not the President of Mexico, she is a prominent figure in Mexican politics and represents one of the most populous cities in the country. Her stance on migration issues, including the recent controversy surrounding the “safe third country” designation, carries significant weight and influence.
Mexico’s Stance on the “Safe Third Country” Designation
In response to claims that Mexico has agreed to become a “safe third country” under the United States’ migration strategy, Claudia Sheinbaum firmly denied any such arrangement. According to Sheinbaum, no formal agreement has been signed or is in the works.
Details on Migrant Deportations
Since Donald Trump’s inauguration as US President on January 20, 2017, more than 65,000 individuals have been deported to Mexico. Of these, 59,747 are Mexican nationals, and 5,728 are foreigners from unspecified nationalities. Sheinbaum emphasized that Mexico’s approach involves respecting human rights, verifying whether deportees wish to return to their home countries, and facilitating their journey if desired or finding temporary integration alternatives if they choose to stay.
US Repatriation Agreements
Sheinbaum highlighted that the United States already has direct repatriation agreements with most countries, rendering Mexico’s role in the migration process unnecessary. Furthermore, she mentioned that Washington has repatriated individuals “even to Africa” without Mexico’s involvement.
Previous Statements by Mexican Officials
Juan Ramón de la Fuente, Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs, has consistently maintained that no agreement exists making Mexico a “safe third country.” He clarified that the US Protocols of Migration Protection are not equivalent to a “safe third country” designation, as the former is a unilateral decision by the US.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Has Mexico agreed to become a “safe third country” for US migrants? A: No, according to Claudia Sheinbaum and Juan Ramón de la Fuente, there is no formal agreement or plan to become a “safe third country” under the US migration strategy.
- Q: How many migrants have been deported to Mexico since 2017? A: Over 65,000 individuals have been deported to Mexico since Donald Trump’s inauguration.
- Q: What is Mexico’s approach to handling deportees? A: Mexico respects human rights, verifies if deportees wish to return home, and facilitates their journey or finds temporary integration alternatives if they choose to stay.
- Q: Why does the US not require Mexico’s assistance in repatriating migrants? A: The US has direct repatriation agreements with most countries, making Mexico’s role in the migration process unnecessary.
