Mexico is developing a cellphone app to assist migrants facing potential detention by U.S. immigration authorities. This initiative, announced Friday by Juan Ramón de la Fuente, Mexico’s secretary of foreign affairs, is a direct response to President-elect Donald Trump’s pronouncements regarding mass deportations. The app, currently undergoing small-scale testing, is reportedly functioning effectively.
The app functions as a “panic button,” allowing users to send an alert to pre-selected family members and the nearest Mexican consulate with a single tap. De la Fuente explained that this immediate notification is crucial in situations where imminent detention is anticipated. While U.S. authorities are required to notify home-country consulates of foreign citizen detentions, this app provides a proactive measure for migrants. Mexico has also increased consular staff and legal aid to support migrants throughout the deportation process.
The app is expected to launch in January. While its functionality was detailed, De la Fuente did not specify whether a mechanism exists to cancel an alert if the user’s circumstances change. Complementing the app, a 24-hour call center has been established to address migrant inquiries. The Mexican government estimates approximately 11.5 million migrants in the United States hold some form of legal residency, while an additional 4.8 million lack legal status or proper documentation.