Mexico is in the process of developing a mobile application aimed at helping migrants alert family members and local consulates if they suspect they are on the verge of being detained by U.S. immigration authorities, a senior official revealed on Friday.
This initiative comes in response to threats from President-elect Donald Trump, who has pledged to conduct widespread deportations after assuming office on 20 January.
Currently undergoing small-scale trials, the app “seems to be performing exceptionally well,” according to Juan Ramón de la Fuente, Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
The app features a panic button, enabling users to send an immediate alert to pre-selected family members and the closest Mexican consulate.
“In situations where detention seems inevitable, users can press the alert button, which signals the nearest consulate,” de la Fuente explained.
By international law, U.S. authorities are required to inform consulates of a foreign citizen’s detention.
To support migrants facing deportation proceedings, Mexico has increased its consular personnel and expanded legal assistance services.
De la Fuente indicated that the app is expected to be widely available starting in January. However, he did not specify whether the app includes a feature to cancel an alert if the user is not actually detained.
Additionally, the Mexican government has established a 24-hour call centre to address migrants’ inquiries.
It is estimated that approximately 11.5 million Mexican migrants hold some form of legal residency in the United States, while 4.8 million reside without proper documentation or legal status.
