In anticipation of President-elect Trump's planned increase in deportations, Mexico is developing a mobile application, "Alert Button," to aid Mexican citizens in the U.S. facing potential removal. The app, slated for release in January, will enable users to instantly notify pre-selected family members and the closest Mexican consulate if they are about to be detained. This initiative comes as the Mexican government seeks to ensure due process for its citizens under the impending immigration policy changes.
The app is currently undergoing testing and is reportedly functioning effectively. Mexico's Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Juan Ramón de la Fuente, described it as a "panic button," highlighting its purpose to provide immediate communication in critical situations. Alongside the app, the Mexican government has expanded its consular staff with 329 legal representatives to offer legal assistance and ensure that Mexicans facing deportation are fully aware of their rights.
Migrants near the Rio Grande along the US-Mexico border in Juarez, Chihuahua state, Mexico, on Dec. 18, 2024, left. A migrant checks his phone, right. (David Peinado/Bloomberg, left, Luis Boza/VIEWpress/Corbis via Getty Images, right.)
This development follows a period of significantly increased illegal immigration under the Biden-Harris administration, with the number of individuals on ICE's non-detained docket more than doubling since Trump left office. While ICE deportations rose in 2024 compared to the previous two years, they remain below the levels seen during the Trump administration. The Mexican government's proactive measures reflect the anticipated challenges posed by the upcoming shift in U.S. immigration enforcement.
President-elect Trump has vowed to secure the border and carry out the largest mass deportation program the U.S. has ever seen. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
The potential for increased deportations has also fueled tension between President-elect Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Trump’s proposed tariff on Mexican imports due to immigration and drug trafficking concerns has raised the possibility of a trade war, despite Sheinbaum’s assertion that Mexico is already addressing illegal border crossings.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum addresses supporters in Mexico City on Oct. 1. She has clashed with President-elect Trump on immigration. (AP/Fernando Llano)
Mexico's commitment to supporting its citizens abroad underscores the complex relationship between the two countries as they navigate the changing landscape of immigration policy.
