Mexico’s immigration enforcement has been increasingly relying on its armed forces and National Guard to assist with migrant detentions. Advocates argue that these detentions are arbitrary and based on racial profiling, often resulting in abuse.

Rising Migrant Detentions

Between June 2019 and December 2020, the armed forces detained more than 152,000 migrants at Mexico’s southern border. While Mexico has used the military for immigration enforcement in the past, this reliance has increased significantly under President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

Abuse and Discrimination

Migrants of African origin and women have been experiencing abuse, including discrimination, extortion, and sexual abuse, highlighting serious human rights concerns.