Tabasco and Chiapas serve as transit points for deportees from the U.S., either on their way back to their home countries or as unplanned destinations in their migratory journeys.
Mexico as a Bridge for Central American and South American Deportees
According to researcher and lecturer Luis Alfredo Arriola Vega from the Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Mexico has become a bridge country for Central American and South American deportees from the U.S., either on their way back to their home countries or as unplanned destinations in their migratory journeys.
Over the past eight years, Arriola Vega notes that there have been processes altering the dynamics of migratory flows to Mexico. He explains that displacements from origin countries to Mexico have paused, reflected in the number of asylum seekers and conditions at shelters.
Decline in Migrant Shelter Attendees
For instance, in March 2024, the Palenque shelter in Chiapas attended to 387 foreign migrants, mostly Hondurans, averaging 13 per day. By January 2025, this number dropped to 203, a 48% reduction. By March 2025, it further decreased to 107, a 32% drop.
Arriola Vega highlights that many migrants were already in Mexico at the start of 2025, with their immigration appointments canceled via the CBP One app or left stranded in Mexico. This situation may lead some to stay temporarily or permanently in Mexico.
Impact on Demographic Composition
The anthropologist points out that this could change the demographic composition in cities like Tapachula, Chiapas, with a significant number of Haitians, and Tenosique, Tabasco, with many Hondurans. He also mentions the recent start of a flight between Tapachula and La Habana, with a stop in Monterrey, as evidence of these demographic shifts.
Additionally, the number of Venezuelans has increased in various Mexican cities.
Reactive Migratory Actions by the U.S.
Arriola Vega also notes that during the U.S. fiscal year 2024 (August 2023 – October 2024), 32% of all deportations from the U.S. were Mexican. If this proportion and quantity continue, approximately 100,000 Mexicans could be deported this year.
He believes that the federal government’s migratory actions in Mexico have been reactive and aligned with the U.S. President’s requirements.
Weakening of Migrant Support Organizations
Arriola Vega draws attention to the weakening of civil institutions and organizations defending migrants’ rights due to funding shortages.
He mentions that UNHCR offices in Palenque, Chiapas, and Tenosique, Tabasco, will close on August 30th, along with those in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, and Guadalajara, Jalisco, citing decreased migratory flow and insufficient funds, partly due to the U.S.’s suspension of such support.
Approximately 130 UNHCR personnel will be laid off this year, and more if funding remains scarce. UNHCR will also reduce support to the Refugee Aid Commission.
Asylum Access, a non-governmental organization providing accompaniment and legal services to those seeking refuge, has decided to close its offices in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Tenosique, Tabasco, and Palenque, Chiapas.
Arriola Vega concludes that these developments indicate stricter migration containment measures by the U.S. and Mexico governments, though migration to the U.S. will persist under more expensive and perilous conditions.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current situation for migrants in Tabasco and Chiapas? These Mexican states serve as transit points for deportees from the U.S., either on their way back to their home countries or as unplanned destinations.
- How has the number of migrants changed in shelters? There has been a significant decrease in migrant attendees at shelters like Palenque, Chiapas.
- What demographic shifts are occurring in Mexico? There’s an increase in Haitians in Tapachula, Chiapas, and Hondurans in Tenosique, Tabasco. Also, there are more Venezuelans in various Mexican cities.
- How are U.S. migratory actions affecting Mexico? Approximately 32% of U.S. deportations in the fiscal year 2024 were Mexican, potentially leading to 100,000 deportations this year.
- What is the status of organizations supporting migrants in Mexico? Due to funding shortages, institutions like UNHCR and Asylum Access are reducing operations or closing offices.
