In response to President Donald Trump’s warnings of mass deportations, Mexican authorities acted swiftly on Thursday to establish emergency shelters along the US-Mexico border.
The Mexican government unveiled a plan to open nine shelters for its citizens and an additional three for deported foreigners, part of a program called “Mexico Embraces You.” Though the government didn’t specify the total capacity, the initiative aims to provide crucial support for those affected by the border policies.
Navy personnel quickly set up olive-green tents at a large sports field in Matamoros, a city located just across the border from Brownsville, Texas. This particular shelter, one of three planned in Tamaulipas state, is expected to accommodate up to 3,000 individuals, according to local authorities.
President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that Mexico would offer humanitarian aid to deported migrants before assisting with their repatriation.
On his first day back in office, President Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border and promised to deport “millions and millions” of migrants. The Trump administration also revived the “Remain in Mexico” policy, which mandates that individuals applying for US entry must remain in Mexico while awaiting their application decisions.
In addition to halting an asylum program for those fleeing oppressive regimes in Central and South America, the US has left thousands stranded at the border. On Wednesday, Trump authorized the deployment of 1,500 more military personnel to the region.
In December, the Mexican government announced a new mobile app with an alert button, designed to help migrants who may be at risk of detention in the United States, where millions of undocumented Mexicans live.
