Mexico has received nearly 39,000 deportees from the United States in President Donald Trump’s first 100 days, according to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Speaking at her morning press conference Tuesday, Sheinbaum said more than 33,000 of those deported were Mexican nationals. "Since President Trump's administration began, 38,757 have been deported [from the U.S. to Mexico], of which 33,311 are Mexicans and 5,446 are foreigners," she said.
Sheinbaum explained that most of the deportees returned by the U.S. are Mexican citizens. "The majority of people who are returning to Mexico are Mexicans, because the U.S. government, through the Department of State, has agreements for them to return directly to their countries," she said. Still, Mexico has chosen to accept some foreign nationals on humanitarian grounds.
"For humanitarian reasons," Sheinbaum continued, "we have decided to accept people of other nationalities, particularly those who come from the northern border" by land. However, she said this group is smaller. Most countries now receive their citizens directly through flights coordinated with the U.S.
According to Sheinbaum, most of the deported Mexicans are being flown back, not sent overland. Foreigners accepted into Mexico have largely chosen to return home voluntarily. She emphasized that the government is working to provide humane treatment and support during the process.
Compared to last year under President Joe Biden, Mexico has received fewer deportees. Reuters reported that in February, March, and April of 2024, about 52,000 people were deported to Mexico. The current number marks a decrease during Trump’s return to office.
Illegal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border have dropped sharply. Trump’s strict enforcement and threats of mass deportation have deterred many migrants from attempting the journey north. Reuters noted that more people are abandoning their plans and returning to their home countries.
Anticipating a possible migrant surge, Mexico began building large encampments in January. In Ciudad Juárez alone, shelters were designed to house thousands. "It's unprecedented," said city official Enrique Licon, referring to Mexico’s construction of reception centers in nine cities.
The Mexican government also launched a transportation system to return deportees to their hometowns. Fleets of buses have been organized to move people out of the reception centers. The initiative is part of a larger reintegration strategy.
Sheinbaum has stood firm on defending Mexican migrants. "Mexican migrants are not criminals," she said, reiterating her administration’s commitment to supporting returnees. The government has emphasized respect, dignity, and opportunity.
Her administration also launched the “México te abraza” — “Mexico embraces you” — program. It offers deportees financial aid, health services, and transportation. Local outlets report that thousands of jobs are being created to help migrants rejoin the workforce.