Mexico Denies US Military's Request to Deport Migrants

Mexico has refused a request from the United States government to allow a U.S. military aircraft to land in the country for the purpose of deporting migrants. This decision comes amidst heightened immigration tensions as the U.S. military recently conducted two flights to Guatemala carrying approximately 80 migrants each.

U.S. and Mexican officials confirmed that a C-17 transport aircraft was not permitted to land in Mexico. The Mexican Foreign Ministry stated that while the country maintains a strong relationship with the U.S. and cooperates on immigration matters, it will only accept Mexican nationals returning to its territory.

The denial of landing rights occurred shortly after the Trump administration announced the re-launch of the "Remain in Mexico" program, compelling non-Mexican asylum seekers to stay in Mexico during their U.S. immigration cases. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum clarified that any agreement to accept asylum-seekers would need mutual consent, which Mexico has not granted.

Relations between Mexico and the U.S. have come under scrutiny since Trump began his second term with a national emergency declaration along the border, leading to the deployment of additional U.S. troops. The Pentagon aims to facilitate the deportation of over 5,000 immigrants held in different states. This incident marks a significant use of military aircraft for deportations, an approach not seen since operations related to the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.