Mexico prepares for Trump's mass deportation program

By Jorge Antonio Rocha

MEXICO CITY (AA) - Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Thursday that Mexico is developing employment programs for expatriated Mexicans expected to be deported under President Donald Trump's recent executive orders.

Sheinbaum explained that her administration's economic plan, designed to boost the Mexican economy, also aims to provide opportunities for Mexicans who may be forced to return from the United States.

As part of the "Plan Mexico" initiative, Sheinbaum's strategy to strengthen the country's industrial sector, the Business Coordinating Council—the largest business bloc in Mexico, representing over 2,000 organizations and nearly 80% of the nation's GDP—has pledged to create 35,000 jobs for returning Mexican nationals.

"We have a very good relationship with the Business Coordinating Council, and we are in constant communication—both with the council formed for the Mexico Plan and the Business Coordinating Council in general," said Sheinbaum. "We thanked them for offering nearly 35,000 job positions for Mexicans who might be deported from the United States. These positions vary across industries, including manufacturing."

"Plan Mexico" is Sheinbaum's response to the challenges posed by Trump's policies. The initiative aims to position Mexico among the top 10 global economies, increase annual investment to over 25% of GDP, create 1.5 million additional jobs, and ensure that at least 50% of goods and supplies are made in Mexico.

Trump's deportations are not limited to Mexican nationals.

As a transit country, Mexico has harbored asylum seekers from different nationalities, which has drawn concerns for Mexico as millions of immigrants could be pushed into Mexican territory.

According to a CNN report, Sheinbaum's administration is also preparing for non-Mexican immigrants. Reportedly, Mexico has been working to open shelters to receive the mass influx of ousted refugees, especially at the border with the US.

The report said the government of Tamaulipas, a coastal state in the northeast, has already begun building stores in the three main cities bordering the US —Matamoros, Reynosa, and Nuevo Laredo—with a capacity for up to 2,500 people.

As reported by CNN, other border landmarks are preparing with Tijuana readying an occupancy of 5,000 people, Chihuahua 2,500, Coahuila 7,000 and Sonora 10,000.