Trump’s Presidency Looms Large Over U.S.-Mexico Border Crisis

The U.S.-Mexico border emerged as a crucial battleground during the 2024 elections, serving as a focal point for President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign. Political discussions surrounding the border often overshadow the reality of daily life for the millions residing there, where crossing it for work, school, or family visits is commonplace.

Jeremy Slack, chair of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the University of Texas at El Paso, noted how residents regard the border as an unpredictable element akin to traffic congestion. “We depend on each other,” he explained, emphasizing the deep familial and cultural connections that span the border. Slack’s extensive research on migrants suggests uncertainty regarding future border policies under Trump’s administration.

“It will be lots of people trying to figure out what the situation is,” he added. Slack cautioned that heightened restrictions may favor organized crime, as potential changes could close legal pathways for asylum-seekers, including the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s CBP One app. This app previously helped migrants schedule appointments for asylum requests, offering a more organized approach compared to illicit crossings.

Despite Trump’s potential for tightening asylum access, challenges will remain. “He may be able to limit asylum seekers but can’t fully turn people away based on fear,” Slack remarked, suggesting that cooperation from Mexico will be crucial in managing migration flows.

In recent years, Mexico has ramped up its border security measures, highlighted by the construction of Torre Centinela in Ciudad Juárez. This facility will support a significant surveillance initiative with 10,000 cameras capable of facial and license-plate recognition. A Memorandum of Understanding between the governors of Chihuahua and Texas emphasizes collaborative efforts, including the use of drones and advanced databases to combat cartel activities.

Despite these measures, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has yet to define immigration policies amidst proposed deportation efforts by Trump. During a press conference, she championed the contributions of Mexican immigrants to both Mexican and U.S. economies but did not elaborate on specific immigration strategies. Additionally, Mexico is developing an app for nationals in the U.S. to alert consulates when facing possible detention, although participation among undocumented individuals, according to Slack, may be low.

Meanwhile, drone technology is becoming increasingly integral to border security. Companies like AgEagle Aerial Systems are supplying drones for real-time surveillance, which are noted for their portability and efficiency in tracking suspect activity.

Critics argue this reliance on technology fosters dehumanization, complicating the already fragile situation for migrants. Petra Molnar, a lawyer focused on migration rights, described the border as a testing ground for surveillance technologies that ultimately criminalize those seeking asylum. AgEagle’s CEO, Bill Irby, contended that such technology is a response to existing criminality along the border, asserting technological support is essential for national security.

As the administration prepares to take office, the role of private prison companies looms large. The GEO Group and CoreCivic have seen profits soar, particularly in connection with ICE contracts, which account for a significant portion of their revenue. With contracts valued in the millions awarded to these companies, concerns about the ethics of privatized detention facilities and the escalation of monitoring technologies abound.

Bianca Tyler, founder of Worth Rises, affirmed that under Trump’s leadership, reliance on both private detention centers and surveillance technologies is expected to grow. “The chaos at first will require local police support to manage,” she reflected, predicting significant challenges ahead for immigration enforcement.