Aimed at addressing the escalating migrant crisis in its border cities, Mexico has entered into an agreement with the United States to deport migrants back to their home countries. The collaborative effort also focuses on countering the recent surge in illegal border crossings by implementing measures to deter prospective migrants, as reported by various media outlets.

According to a report from CNN, Mexican officials and representatives from the US Customs and Border Protection convened in Ciudad Juárez to discuss this pressing issue. The reported agreement comes against the backdrop of a notable increase in unauthorized border crossings into the United States, prompting temporary closures of international bridges and disruptions to Mexico's primary cargo train system.

Under the terms of the agreement, Mexico is committed to "depressurizing" its northern border cities including those adjacent to El Paso, San Diego, and Eagle Pass in Texas. Mexico’s National Migration Institute disclosed that authorities will institute a series of actions to deter migrants from resorting to the perilous railway system in their quest to reach the US-Mexico border.

Key participants in the meeting included Troy Miller, Acting Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, the Commissioner of Mexico's National Migration Institute, the Governor of the Mexican state of Chihuahua, members of Mexico's national defense and National Guard, and representatives from Ferromex, a prominent Mexican railroad operator.

During the discussions, Mexican officials committed to a comprehensive set of 15 actions as part of this bilateral agreement. The agreement further outlines Mexico's commitment to engage in negotiations with the governments of Venezuela, Brazil, Nicaragua, Colombia, and Cuba, with the aim of confirming the reception of their citizens who are deported from the US-Mexico border. This cooperative initiative represents a significant step forward in addressing the ongoing migrant challenges faced by both Mexico and the United States.

The US Customs and Border Protection said in a statement that Miller "urged coordination of efforts to diminish surging irregular migration, and continuation of lawful trade and travel while reiterating the need for coordinated engagement – to include mirrored patrols with local Mexican law enforcement agencies".

"We are continuing to work closely with our partners in Mexico to increase security and address irregular migration along our shared border," Miller said.

"The United States and Mexico remain committed to stemming the flow of irregular migration driven by unscrupulous smugglers while maintaining access to lawful pathways," he added.

"The surge in US-Mexico border crossings has overwhelmed El Paso, with over 2,000 daily asylum seekers," Mayor Oscar Leeser stated, citing strained resources and shelter capacity. A Department of Homeland Security official reported a daily total of over 8,600 migrant crossings this week.

Image source: ANI, U