Looks like policy changes south of the border could have a major impact on the migrant crisis.
The head of Mexico’s immigration agency is now suspending deportations, citing budget problems. The announcement comes amid a record spike in illegal immigration. Mexico recorded nearly 590,000 undocumented migrants this year, up 150,000 from last year and 280,000 from 2021.
Despite the uptick, Mexico has been deporting fewer migrants this year. Deportations dropped off after April’s deadly fire at a migrant detention fire in northern Mexico that killed 40 people.
Just north of the border, the state of Texas is ramping up its deportation efforts. Gov. Greg Abbott (R) is preparing to sign a law allowing police officers to arrest illegal immigrants and authorizing judges to send them back to Mexico.