Trump’s Deportation Policies Fuel Tensions in Latin America; Mexico Receives Thousands
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum revealed Monday that her country has received an estimated 4,094 individuals deported from the United States since President Donald Trump’s second term began on January 20, Al Jazeera reports.
While the majority of those deported are Mexican citizens, Sheinbaum said that the number also includes individuals from other countries, though she emphasized there has not been a “substantial increase” in non-citizen arrivals.
The influx of deportees comes amid heightened tensions in Latin America, triggered by President Trump’s renewed focus on mass deportations and an “America First” foreign policy agenda.
Colombia Clash Sets Tone for Region
Trump’s hardline approach led to an immediate confrontation with Colombian President Gustavo Petro over the weekend. After Petro initially refused to accept US deportees on military flights, Trump retaliated by threatening to impose tariffs on Colombian goods, escalating to a potential 50%, and canceling visa appointments at the US embassy in Bogota. Although Petro initially indicated he would retaliate with his own tariffs, he ultimately conceded and allowed the deportation flights to resume.
Trump further stated that the measures against Colombia are “just the beginning” of his efforts to ensure his deportation program continues, underscoring his commitment to aggressive enforcement.
Mexico Navigates Complex Deportation Landscape
Despite receiving thousands of deportees, Mexico reportedly also denied access to a US military flight carrying deportees last week, although the reasons behind the refusal remain unclear. President Sheinbaum has previously expressed disapproval of the US’s “unilateral deportations,” and had previously prioritized receiving Mexican citizens only.
However, Sheinbaum acknowledged a precedent for Mexico accepting non-citizen deportees, citing agreements made by her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Under former President Joe Biden, López Obrador agreed to accept up to 30,000 migrants and asylum seekers per month from Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Haiti. She also referenced the “Remain in Mexico” policy from Trump’s first term, which required asylum seekers to stay in Mexico while pursuing their US asylum claims, a policy Trump intends to reinstate.
While not explicitly agreeing to the “Remain in Mexico” policy, Sheinbaum indicated a willingness to discuss the possibility of keeping non-citizens in Mexico, stating Foreign Minister Juan Ramon de la Fuente is engaged in ongoing talks with the Trump administration on migration and repatriation.
Conflicting Narratives, Regional Concerns
Despite the reported denial of a deportation flight, the Trump administration has praised Mexico’s cooperation, with a spokesperson.
“Thanks to President Trump: Yesterday, Mexico accepted a record 4 deportation flights in 1 day!”
These military-led deportations continue to spark broader regional outrage. Brazil has condemned the use of handcuffs on deportation flights, calling it a “blatant disrespect” for human rights.
