Mexico has reportedly declined a U.S. request to permit a military aircraft, intended for deporting migrants, to land within its territory.
This decision comes in the wake of the Trump administration’s reactivation of the “Remain in Mexico” program, officially known as the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), which mandates that non-Mexican asylum seekers await their U.S. immigration proceedings in Mexico.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized that such an arrangement requires Mexico’s explicit consent, which has not been granted.
Initially implemented in 2019, the MPP was designed to manage the influx of asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border by having them remain in Mexico during their U.S. immigration court proceedings.
The program faced criticism due to concerns over migrant safety and access to legal resources.
It was subsequently terminated in 2021 under the Biden administration. However, President Trump’s recent reinstatement of the program has reignited debates surrounding its efficacy and humanitarian implications.
While the U.S. has successfully conducted deportation flights to Guatemala, Mexico’s refusal marks a significant stance in the region’s immigration dynamics.
The Mexican government has expressed concerns over accepting non-Mexican deportees, highlighting the need for bilateral agreements and clear communication between the two nations.
The denial of the deportation flight underscores the escalating tensions between the U.S. and Mexico.
Recent actions by the Trump administration, including the declaration of a national emergency at the border and the designation of Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations, have further complicated diplomatic relations.
These measures have been perceived by Mexico as unilateral and have prompted calls for more collaborative approaches to shared challenges.
