Migrant Crackdown: Mexico Detains Over 5,200 Migrants in Single Day

In a massive operation, Mexican authorities detained more than 5,200 migrants across the country on Tuesday, according to officials who announced the numbers on Wednesday. This significant sweep comes as the government faces pressure from the incoming U.S. administration to tighten its grip on immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has repeatedly urged Mexico to bolster efforts in stopping not only migrants but also illicit substances such as fentanyl, threatening to impose tariffs on the nation if it fails to comply. In response, Mexican authorities have been stepping up their actions against illegal migration. From October 1 to December 3, they have apprehended nearly 350,000 migrants, according to the Navy.

This move is part of a broader effort by Mexico’s government to handle the influx of migrants from Central America. President Claudia Sheinbaum last week indicated that a recent migrant caravan traveling through southern regions would not be able to reach the northern parts of the country as migration authorities were “taking care” of those remaining.

The detentions on Tuesday were carried out by a combined force of the Army, National Guard, and state police in support of migration authorities. The military has increasingly been involved in public security matters, especially in southern regions where migrants often arrive on foot from Central America. This operation reflects Mexico’s efforts to address the complex issue of immigration while also meeting the demands of its international partners.

Source: Reuters