The announcements from Claudia Sheinbaum's government reflect a lack of foresight and a structural deficiency in public policies. One of the main announcements has been the creation of 25 shelters along the northern border to assist deported Mexicans, with a capacity for 2,500 people per center. Without an immediate, effective, and coordinated response, Mexico could face not only a deeper humanitarian crisis at its borders but also a setback in the protection of its citizens' human rights.
The country needs urgent measures, not just meaningless announcements, and must ensure that resources are used with transparency and effectiveness to prevent the overflow of a crisis that, if not handled properly, could spiral out of control. However, the lack of coordination with local governments reflects a weakness in Sheinbaum's government leadership. The inability to adequately manage responses to mass migration not only demonstrates a logistical problem but also a lack of comprehensive vision to tackle this humanitarian challenge.
More than 5 million Mexicans currently live in an irregular situation in the United States — although not all will be deported immediately — a significant part could cause a collapse in the announced shelter system. This scenario is even more severe considering that cities like Tijuana and Ciudad Juárez are already at the limit of their capacity to deal with migratory flows. The president of Mexico has promised actions, but in practice, it has been limited to announcements without substance. The situation is even more concerning due to the increasing lack of coordination between the federal government and local organizations, resulting in overcrowded shelters and a lack of essential resources.
Civil society organizations have warned that government policies do not prioritize the protection of migrants' human rights. This lack of focus jeopardizes the Mexican government's credibility in the international community. Despite repeated promises, the reality shows a severe lack of proactive action and a reactive approach. The current administration has demonstrated a lack of clarity regarding the locations and timelines of the projects, raising doubts about their viability. In Baja California, one of the most affected states, the installation of seven shelters is projected.
Shamelessly, Sheinbaum’s government manipulates homicide figures. The construction of shelters has not been effectively realized, highlighting a lack of action and adequate coordination among different levels of government. Homicides are reclassified as enforced disappearances to artificially reduce homicide statistics and present a favorable image of security in Mexico.
