The government of former President Joe Biden requested to allocate 109.7 million dollars to Mexico in fiscal year 2025 to combat fentanyl trafficking, organized crime, strengthen the rule of law, and improve migration management. The request was presented as part of the assistance program for Latin America and the Caribbean in the U.S. Congress report on allocations for fiscal year 2025. This aid was aimed at addressing crucial issues in the region.
Despite the request from the Biden administration, led by President Donald Trump, in collaboration with businessman Elon Musk, the allocation of these resources was halted. A total of 2.2 billion dollars was requested to assist Latin America and the Caribbean, including aid to Mexico. However, Congress did not approve this program before its freeze. It is specified that this would be an increase of 5.1 million dollars compared to fiscal year 2023, the last available data.
The Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) criticized Trump’s decision to freeze these resources, stating that it goes against what is being defended. It emphasized that the pause in funding halts crucial programs to combat transnational crime that are vital for both Mexico's and the United States' security. WOLA mentioned the benefits that the suspended programs have brought to the country in the past, including crucial support in the disappearance crisis, improvements in human rights, and strengthening state justice institutions.
The organization warned that the interruption of these programs would affect Mexican citizens and the country's institutions, potentially weakening the current administration's efforts on migration. It is feared that cutting these initiatives will harm the capacity to address the root causes of migration such as crime and insecurity, as well as local economic and judicial development.
