Mexico Rejects U.S. Request to Land Migrant Deportation Aircraft

Mexico has denied the U.S. permission to land a military aircraft deporting migrants, U.S. and Mexican officials confirmed. This decision follows two U.S. deportation flights to Guatemala on Friday, each carrying around 80 migrants. While Mexico cooperates on immigration, its foreign ministry reaffirmed that repatriations of Mexican nationals are always welcomed but did not elaborate on this specific refusal.

The Trump administration recently reinstated the "Remain in Mexico" program, requiring non-Mexican asylum seekers to stay in Mexico while their U.S. cases are processed. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized that implementing such policies requires Mexico's consent, which has not been granted.

Tensions between the U.S. and Mexico have escalated since Trump began his second term, declaring a national emergency at the border and deploying 1,500 additional troops. Trump’s administration has threatened new tariffs on Mexican goods and labeled Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations. Despite her opposition to mass deportations, Sheinbaum has remained open to accommodating returning Mexican nationals, underscoring their economic contributions to the U.S.

The Pentagon has supported Trump’s emergency declaration by arranging flights to deport over 5,000 migrants detained in El Paso, Texas, and San Diego, California. While U.S. military aircraft have previously transported individuals during emergencies, this marks their first use for deportation. Guatemala has already received multiple deportation flights, including one on a chartered commercial plane.

As of now, the U.S. State Department, the Pentagon, and Mexico’s foreign ministry have not provided further comments. The rejection highlights ongoing complexities in U.S.-Mexico relations, especially regarding immigration and border security.