Mexico is testing a new app designed to assist migrants who fear imminent detention by U.S. immigration authorities as it allows users to hit a "panic button" to alert their relatives and local consulates.
Newsweek has reached out to Mexico's foreign affairs ministry and Trump's transition team via email for comment on Sunday morning.
Why It Matters
Immigration and border security have been key issues in recent years as the U.S. experiences heightened levels of migrant border crossings. There were more than 2.4 million encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border during the 2023 fiscal year, up from roughly 1.7 million in 2021, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data.
The app comes as the incoming administration gears up to enact a hardline immigration agenda, in which President-elect Donald Trump has campaigned on this election cycle, including stricter border controls and mass deportations.
However, Trump's immigration policies have also drawn sharp criticism from human rights advocates who argue it could lead to the prolonged detention of children and family separations.
What To Know
Juan Ramón de la Fuente, Mexico's secretary of foreign affairs, unveiled the app on Friday, describing it as a crucial tool for those in a situation where detention is imminent.
Dubbed a "panic button," the app allows users to send real-time alerts to pre-selected family members and the nearest Mexican consulate.
According to de la Fuente, the app has been rolled out for small-scale testing and has yielded promising results as it "appears to be working very well."
However, it remains unclear whether the app will include a feature to cancel an alert if a detention scenario is avoided.
The app comes as U.S. authorities are obliged to give notice to home-country consulates when a foreign citizen is detained. In response, Mexico said it has bolstered its consular network in preparation for a possible surge in deportations. Enhanced staffing, legal aid, and a 24/7 call center aim to ensure migrants receive the necessary guidance and support during deportation.
The Mexican government estimates there are 11.5 million with some form of legal residency in the U.S. and 4.8 million without legal residency or proper documents.
The efforts come as Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, has also recently shared new details about plans to reinstate family detention policies at the U.S.-Mexico border.
While President Joe Biden ended the practice of family detention in 2021 by shutting down three facilities previously referred to by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as "residential centers," which collectively provided around 3,000 beds, Homan indicated this approach might shift once Trump assumes office.
"We're going to need to construct family facilities," Homan told The Washington Post on Thursday. "How many beds we're going to need will depend on what the data says. We need to show the American people we can do this and not be inhumane about it. We can't lose the faith of the American people."
What People Are Saying
Twenty-six GOP governors signed a letter stating they "stand united in support" of Trump's plans to protect American citizens from "disastrous open border policies."
Among those who signed were Texas' Greg Abbott, South Carolina's Henry McMaster, and Florida's Ron DeSantis.
"When the Biden Administration refused to secure our borders and uphold the rule of law, it was Republican governors who took action," the letter read. "We mobilized state resources, including law enforcement and National Guard units, to protect Americans from disastrous open border policies and prevent illegal immigration from overwhelming our country."
In contrast, Democratic governors and mayors have promised to protect undocumented migrants in their communities, using sanctuary laws that have prevented local officials and law enforcement from assisting ICE.
Many of the governors and city mayors signaling they plan to stand against the plans have voiced concerns over the logistics of such an operation, which will seek to target at least 11 million undocumented migrants.
What Happens Next
With Trump resuming office next month, preparations are already underway from the incoming administration to carry out his immigration agenda.
Trump is expected to sign a series of executive orders on "Day 1" of his presidency, focusing on mass deportations and enhanced border security.
Meanwhile, de la Fuente said he expects the app to be rolled out in January.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
English (US) ·