Some migrants, anticipating Trump’s policies, are already turning back home: report

A recent report indicates that a growing number of migrants are opting to return to their home countries rather than face the potential consequences of President-elect Trump’s proposed border policies. Mexican officials have stated that between 50 and 100 migrants are now seeking “voluntary return” to their home countries, with some migrants covering their own expenses while others rely on state funding for assistance. Many migrants attribute their decision to Trump’s plans to eliminate a U.S. government app used to claim asylum with border agents.

“I trust I will arrive before Mr. Trump takes office,” shared one migrant named Johana with Reuters. “If it’s not by appointment, there’s always a way.” President Biden’s administration has utilized the application to facilitate hundreds of thousands of migrants in scheduling border crossings and seeking asylum in the U.S. However, officials from the incoming Trump administration have voiced intentions to eliminate the program and reinstate the “remain in Mexico” policy.

Migrants awaiting appointments in Mexico face uncertainty, as failure to secure a date before Trump’s term begins could leave them stranded in Mexico. This dilemma leaves them with the options of attempting to cross the border illegally, remaining in Mexico throughout the asylum process, or returning to their home countries. Due to the hazardous cartel environment in Mexico, many migrants express a preference for returning home rather than facing the perils of the journey to the U.S. border.

Nidia Montenegro, a migrant in a similar situation, expressed her desire to return home if given the choice. “I am traumatized. If I don’t get the appointment, I will go back,” she stated to Reuters. The Trump administration’s officials emphasize that their policies aim to deter migrants from embarking on the dangerous trek through Mexico to reach the U.S. border, where they often encounter violence and abduction by cartels.

Tom Homan, the incoming border czar under Trump, has affirmed that the new administration will focus on curbing illegal immigration and combating cartels aggressively. Homan vowed to eradicate the cartels, stating, “They have killed more Americans than every terrorist organization in the world, and Trump is committed to designating them as terrorist organizations and leveraging the full force of the United States Special Operations to eliminate them.”

It is clear that the impending changes in border policies have prompted migrants to reconsider their options and make difficult decisions regarding their future. As the transition of power unfolds, the impact on immigration and border security remains a focal point of concern for many individuals.

(Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and significant breaking news events. For tips, reach out to Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com or connect on Twitter: @Hagstrom_Anders.)