The Mexican Government condemned the entry into force of a law that allows the Texas Police to detain and expel migrants suspected of entering the United States irregularly, as it assured that it encourages the separation of families. discrimination and racial profiling against the immigrant population.
“Mexico categorically rejects any measure that allows state or local authorities to carry out immigration control tasks, detain and return nationals or foreigners to Mexican territory,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE), this March 19, in a release.
The Mexican Foreign Ministry ruled in this way regarding the legislation known as SB4which was approved by the Supreme Court of Justice, allowing it to come into force this Tuesday, in Texas.
The law, one of the most drastic anti-immigrant measures in US history, makes minor offence a person “entering or attempting to enter the state from a foreign nation” irregularly.
The offense becomes a serious crime, punishable by up to 20 years in prison, if the offender is a repeat offender.
The initiative also allows Texas authorities to order the expulsion of people without legal process. Police officers will be able to arrest any individual they suspect of having entered the country illegally, and will have the discretion to expel them to Mexico instead of arresting them.
The SRE questioned the legal provisions that affect the human rights of the more than 10 million people of Mexican origin who reside in Texas, saying, this generates hostile environments in which the migrant community is exposed “to expressions of hate, discrimination and of racial profiling.”
“Mexico reiterates its legitimate right to protect the rights of its nationals in the United States and to establish its own internment policies in its territory,” the Foreign Ministry noted.
He noted that he recognizes the importance of a uniform immigration policy and bilateral efforts with that country so that the migration of people is safe, orderly and with respect for their human rights, and is not affected by legislative decisions of the state order. or local.
”In that sense, Mexico will not accept, under any circumstances, repatriations by the state of Texas,” he emphasized.
He pointed out that as part of the actions to safeguard the interests of Mexico and its nationals in the United States, the Mexican government will participate as Friend of the Court before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals located in New Orleans, Louisiana, in order to bring closer relevant information about the impact that the law will have on the Mexican and/or Mexican-American community, as well as its effect on relations between Mexico and the United States.
The bilateral tensions Due to migration, drug trafficking and weapons, they threaten to increase in 2024, when the presidential elections of the United States and Mexico coincide.
