Mexico is currently in the process of developing a cellphone application that will enable migrants to alert their relatives and local consulates if they fear they are at risk of being detained by the U.S. immigration authorities. This initiative comes as a response to the threats made by President-elect Donald Trump regarding potential mass deportations following his inauguration on January 20.
The app, which has undergone initial testing and has shown promising results, allows users to trigger an alert by pressing a designated tab. This alert notification is then sent to pre-selected family members and the nearest Mexican consulate, functioning as a form of a panic button in times of distress.
When a foreign citizen is detained, U.S. authorities are required to inform the individual's home-country consulate. In anticipation of increased deportations, Mexico has bolstered its consular staff and legal aid services to assist migrants throughout the deportation process.
The app is expected to be officially launched in January, with features that facilitate communication with consulates. However, it remains unclear whether there will be a deactivation option to retract an alert if a detainment does not occur.
In addition to the app, Mexico has established a 24-hour call center to address migrants' inquiries and provide support. The Mexican government estimates that there are approximately 11.5 million migrants residing legally in the United States, along with 4.8 million individuals lacking legal residency or proper documentation.
