In the shadow of a towering crucifix, construction workers in Ciudad Juarez, a border city in Mexico, are assembling a makeshift community. A temporary settlement made of tents is taking shape.
On the grounds of a former fairground, which also hosts an altar built for Pope Francis during his 2016 visit, the Mexican government is preparing for an expected surge of deportees arriving from the United States in the near future.
Juarez, one of eight border cities across the 3,000-kilometre (1,900 miles) border, is preparing to manage the anticipated influx.
Workers, many wearing boots and baseball caps, scale a large metal frame to stretch thick white tarps over it, creating basic shelters designed to accommodate individuals who will soon arrive—many of whom share similar backgrounds as the laborers themselves.
A wide variety of workers—including casual laborers, domestic workers, kitchen staff, and agricultural hands—are among those likely to be deported soon, once President Donald Trump’s announcement of “the largest deportation in American history” goes into effect.
In addition to offering shelter, deportees will be provided with food, medical care, and help in obtaining Mexican identification documents through a program called “Mexico Embraces You,” which is supported by President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration.
“Mexico will take all necessary steps to care for its citizens and will ensure they are received with the resources they need,” said Mexican Interior Minister Rosa Icela Rodriguez during President Trump’s inauguration.
President Sheinbaum, in turn, has emphasized that her government will prioritize the humanitarian needs of returnees. Those affected will have access to social services, pensions, and will be immediately eligible to work.
She also advised Mexicans to remain composed and level-headed regarding relations with President Trump’s administration, particularly around issues like deportations and the threat of tariffs.
“Relations with Mexico are going well,” President Trump said in a video address at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Both nations may still find a workable solution to the immigration challenge, with President Sheinbaum advocating for ongoing dialogue to maintain communication.
However, President Sheinbaum also acknowledges the pressure that Trump’s border emergency declaration could place on Mexico.
There are approximately 5 million undocumented Mexicans in the United States, and the prospect of a large-scale return could easily overwhelm cities like Juarez and Tijuana.
Jose Maria Garcia Lara, who oversees the Juventud 2000 migrant shelter in Tijuana, expresses concern. As he takes me through the near-full facility, he mentions the limited space left for families in need.
“We might have to place people in the kitchen or library,” he said.
Eventually, space will run out entirely, and resources like food, medical supplies, blankets, and hygiene products will become scarce.
“We’re facing two challenges,” says Mr. Garcia. “The arrival of Mexicans and other migrants fleeing violence, and the upcoming mass deportations. We don’t know how many people will need help, and together, these factors could lead to a major crisis.”
