The Mexican government is developing a cellphone app designed to assist its citizens living in the United States who believe they are at risk of detention by federal immigration authorities. The app, announced Friday by Mexican Foreign Minister Juan Ramon de la Fuente, will notify relatives and the nearest Mexican consulate when activated by users fearing apprehension by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The initiative comes as Mexico braces for President-elect Donald Trump’s promise to launch the largest deportation operation in U.S. history upon taking office in January.
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At a news conference alongside Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, de la Fuente explained that the app allows users to press an “alert button” in situations where they suspect detention is imminent. The alert would immediately notify preselected family members and the closest Mexican consulate.
“In case you find yourself in a situation where detention is imminent, you push the alert button, and that sends a signal to the nearest consulate,” de la Fuente said “The app has already been tested on a small scale and appears to be working very well,” noting that officials aim to roll out the app nationwide by January.
The app is part of Mexico’s broader efforts to support its citizens living in the United States as the Trump administration prepares to implement a hardline immigration agenda. Trump’s plans include resuming construction of the U.S.-Mexico border wall, reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” program, and imposing tariffs on Mexican imports unless the country takes stronger action to curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
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Trump’s deportation agenda has sparked tension with Sheinbaum, who has taken a more sympathetic stance toward migrants. She has warned of potential retaliatory tariffs if Trump moves forward with his threats but has also stated that Mexico is prepared to accommodate the expected influx of deported nationals.
Mexican nationals represent a significant portion of the immigrant population in the United States. According to the Migration Policy Institute, as of 2023, Mexicans accounted for 23% of the 47.8 million foreign-born individuals living in the U.S. and nearly half of the estimated 11 million undocumented migrants.
Trump’s threat of a 25% tariff on Mexican imports has created uncertainty in Mexico’s economy. Some manufacturers have already signaled hesitancy to invest in the country until the situation is clarified.
Sheinbaum has warned Trump of potential reciprocal measures but remains open to negotiation, signaling a complex balancing act between protecting Mexico’s economic interests and addressing U.S. demands.
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