The Mexican government has responded to US threats of tariffs by sending more members of the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) and active duty army (Ejercito) troops to the northern border. Now, in Agua Prieta, National Guard troops are directing traffic returning to the US as well working extensively with Mexican Customs (Aduana). In addition, military trucks with machine gun turrets are a constant presence on the streets.
Initially, the Mexican government announced a program – Mexico embraces you (Mexico te abrasa) – to welcome deported people back to Mexico. The government has spent large sums of money on building shelters, kitchens, providing medical care and transportation for its citizens who are deported from the US. So far, the number of returning people is much lower than was originally expected. The buses parked across the street from the migrant center in Agua Prieta to transport deportees to the government shelter are rarely used. At this point, no migrants have gone to the Centro de Atención al Migrante Exodus (CAME), the migrant shelter supported by the Catholic Church, and few migrants have gone to any of the nonprofit/church shelters anywhere along the border.
Daily raids are being reported in Tucson, Arizona, where ICE, Border Patrol, and other law enforcement agents are looking for undocumented people. However, migrant solidarity activists are providing “know your rights” education for people in jeopardy. This also makes arrests more difficult since no one is required to open the door for a law enforcement official who does not have a signed warrant.
The Washington Office on Latin America provides a weekly update of happenings all along the US/Mexican border.
Pray for all the people in the US who are now in danger of being deported to keep them safe, to keep them healthy, and to keep their families together. Pray that the US government will find a better way. Pray for government workers in the US and Mexico, that their actions may be humane and just. Give thanks for those in both countries who are working to help migrants.
