As former President Donald Trump prepares for his return to the White House with promises of mass deportation and tougher immigration policies, a surprising shift is occurring south of the border. In Mexico, a country historically known for its migrant ties to the United States, attitudes toward immigration are hardening, fueled by demographic changes, strained resources, and a rising tide of frustration.
Changing Perceptions Among Mexicans
Marta Castillo, a restaurant worker in Mexico City, reflects a growing sentiment among Mexicans who feel overwhelmed by the influx of migrants. “We’ve been invaded,” she said. “I used to be indifferent, but now it’s everywhere—you can’t ignore it.”
For decades, migration to the U.S. was a way of life in Mexico, with families often relying on remittances sent back home. However, the changing face of migration—from predominantly Mexican nationals to Central Americans, Haitians, Venezuelans, and even people from Africa and Asia—has tested Mexico’s ability to cope and reshaped public opinion.
According to a 2023 survey by Oxfam Mexico, 70% of Mexicans believe migrant flows into their country are “excessive.” More than half think migration has little to no positive impact on the economy or culture, and 40% advocate for stricter migration controls, including outright prohibition. These attitudes reflect not just local frustrations but also broader concerns about Mexico’s capacity to handle the growing numbers of migrants.
The Reality on the Ground
The challenges are stark in places like Mexico City’s historic center, where a sprawling tent city has emerged. Migrants, many waiting for U.S. immigration appointments or planning to cross illegally, endure squalid conditions. Venezuelans line up for free meals at a nearby church, while Haitian families try to maintain basic hygiene in makeshift shelters. Angolan and Haitian migrants cook on open fires, drawing sharp contrasts with the bustling tourist activity just blocks away in the city’s iconic Zócalo square.
This growing visibility of migrants has led to tensions with local residents. In February 2024, an altercation between locals and Haitians resulted in injuries, highlighting the potential for violence when communities feel overburdened.
“People are generally supportive of migration if it doesn’t disrupt their daily lives,” said Tony Payan, executive director of the Center for the U.S. and Mexico at Rice University. “But when migrants encroach on public spaces or compete for resources, latent prejudices and fears emerge.”
Complexities of Public Opinion
Interestingly, Mexicans’ negative views of migrants often coexist with empathy for their plight. Many understand that migrants are fleeing violence, poverty, and political instability, yet frustrations with the government’s inability to manage the situation effectively fuel resentment.
A United Nations survey revealed that while 85% of Mexicans believe migration is driven by economic needs, many fail to recognize the violence that forces people to flee. “Mexicans themselves have fled violence tied to organized crime,” said Emilio Gonzalez Gonzalez of the UN Refugee Agency (ACNUR). “Yet there is a lack of empathy when others face similar circumstances.”
Despite perceptions, migrants in Mexico commit crimes at lower rates than the general population, according to ACNUR. However, they are disproportionately targeted by smugglers, criminal gangs, and even corrupt officials, compounding their hardships.
Migration Policies Under Scrutiny
Mexico’s migration policies have come under intense scrutiny, especially as the country has increasingly adopted U.S.-style enforcement tactics. Under pressure from Washington, Mexico has ramped up border controls, detained more migrants, and restricted their movement northward.
In the first eight months of 2024, Mexico’s Interior Ministry reported over 925,000 migrant encounters—more than double the 440,000 recorded in 2022. Critics argue that these measures prioritize containment over compassion, steering public discourse toward racism and xenophobia.
“Mexico has essentially become an arm of U.S. immigration enforcement,” said Arturo Sarukhan, former Mexican ambassador to the U.S. “This undermines the protections guaranteed under Mexican law and fosters resentment among citizens and migrants alike.”
The Road Ahead
The debate over migration in Mexico underscores the complexities of a global phenomenon. While many Mexicans express frustration with the visible impacts of migration, they are also grappling with broader questions about national identity, economic equity, and the government’s capacity to respond.
Organizations like Oxfam Mexico and ACNUR are working to address misconceptions and promote solidarity. Alexandra Haas, executive director of Oxfam Mexico, noted the contradictions in public opinion: “On one hand, you see protests and rejection, but on the other, there’s solidarity—people leaving food and clothes for migrants.”
As the U.S. tightens its immigration policies, Mexico faces a pivotal moment. Will it rise to the challenge of providing humane solutions, or will frustration and fear continue to drive public opinion and policy? The answer will shape not only Mexico’s migration narrative but also its relationship with its northern neighbor for years to come.
