The Secretary of Foreign Relations, Juan Ramón de la Fuente, clarified that Mexico is not considered a safe third country and emphasized the measures taken by the country to protect its citizens in the United States. During a press conference alongside President Claudia Sheinbaum, De la Fuente explained that despite the unilateral immigration policies of the United States, Mexico continues to promote a model of human mobility that respects the rights of migrants.
Regarding the Mexican consular network in the United States, De la Fuente highlighted that Mexico has 53 consulates, the most extensive consular network of any country abroad. The strengthening of this network during Claudia Sheinbaum's government was emphasized, focusing on documentation and protection services to provide comprehensive support to Mexican migrants.
In the area of digitization of procedures, the significant progress of the consular network in managing documents such as birth certificates was mentioned. De la Fuente also highlighted a legal team of more than 2,600 people that joins the consulate staff to support migrants regardless of their immigration status. The implementation of an application for smartphones with relevant information about the rights of migrants was highlighted as a new advancement.
Regarding migration, the effectiveness of the human mobility model implemented by Mexico with the support of Joe Biden, the President of the United States, which has significantly reduced illegal crossings by 78%, was mentioned. It was clarified that the Migratory Protection Protocol (MPP) does not equate to a safe third country and that Mexico is not obligated to follow it.
De la Fuente stated that Mexico will adjust the necessary mechanisms to protect its citizens if the MPP is re-implemented. Constant communication with U.S. immigration authorities and the priority of the Secretary of Foreign Relations in protecting Mexicans abroad were emphasized. The Mexican consulates in the United States remain available to provide support to the migrant community, and it was reiterated that "they are not alone." The importance of maintaining daily contact with U.S. immigration agencies to protect the interests of Mexican citizens was highlighted.
