Mexican officials have opened a migrant reception center in Juarez, providing temporary shelter and services for individuals expelled from the United States. The Mexico te Abraza (“Mexico Embraces You”) tent facility, located west of Benito Juarez soccer stadium, faced a two-week delay due to wind damage and utility connection issues but is now operational.
With the capacity to accommodate 2,500 migrants, the center offers kitchens, showers, and dormitories for those returning to Mexico, according to Mayra Chavez, regional director of Mexico’s Bienestar social programs. It is part of a broader effort by Mexico to set up nine welcome centers in border cities to assist repatriated migrants.
“We want them to feel a warm welcome and know they are coming back to a Mexico that supports them and will help facilitate their return to their communities,” Chavez said.
According to Enrique Serrano, head of the Chihuahua Population Council, Mexican immigration authorities have begun directing all expelled migrants from the U.S. to this tent facility in Juarez and a similar site in Ojinaga, near Presidio, Texas.
While Mexican nationals have the freedom to leave, non-Mexican citizens are being sent to a federal shelter in Central Juarez before being transferred to National Migration Institute (INM) facilities in Mexico City.
Since January 20, INM authorities in Chihuahua have taken custody of 700 foreign nationals expelled by the U.S., while 1,700 Mexican nationals have been released upon arrival. U.S. authorities have primarily deported Mexicans, but expulsions also include migrants from Cuba and seven other countries.
Despite the opening of the facility, Mexican officials have declined media requests to interview deported migrants.