© Reuters. Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador speaks during his daily news conference, in Acapulco, Mexico December 20, 2023. REUTERS/Daniel Becerril/File Photo
Exciting news from Mexico City! President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador announced plans on Friday to strengthen measures aimed at curbing migration to the US. This comes in response to record numbers of people trying to reach the US border.
Lopez Obrador emphasized the need for more enforcement at the US-Mexico border after speaking with US President Joe Biden. Both leaders agreed on the necessity of stronger cooperation to address their shared immigration challenges.
“What was agreed is that we keep working together,” Lopez Obrador shared at a regular press conference. He mentioned having a proposal to reinforce their plans but did not delve into the specifics.
Recent data from the UN shows that migrants are fleeing violence, economic struggles, and the negative impact of climate change, with over half a million people crossing the perilous Darien Gap this year. The situation escalated after Mexican authorities temporarily halted expelling migrants due to funding shortages at the end of the year.
Furthermore, the government of Mexico’s Coahuila state has taken action by sending a planeload of migrants from Piedras Negras to Villahermosa. This move aims to manage the influx of migrants and is a part of the ongoing efforts between Mexico and other countries to address the migration crisis.
In an effort to move forward, top US officials will be meeting with Mexican authorities to further discuss migration issues. Among the challenges mentioned were the increasing number of Venezuelan migrants, and there’s a shared commitment to finding solutions. Lopez Obrador also highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of migration and promoting economic development in the region.
He’s also working to facilitate talks between the US and Cuba, as well as easing sanctions on Venezuela to address regional tensions. This holistic approach involves both containment measures and political strategies to lower migratory pressures.
