EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) – More than 100 advocacy organizations in the U.S. are asking the government of Mexico take a firmer role in protecting its citizens north of the Rio Grande.
The request comes as the Trump administration steps up immigration raids and detentions in major U.S. citizens where Mexican immigrants are a big part of the economy.
Groups including Chicago-based Alianza Americas, Florida Immigrant Coalition and Witness at the Border on Monday sent a letter to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urging more funding for consulates and taking “an active and firm role” in defending its citizens in the U.S.
“The Mexican government has a responsibility to protect the rights and dignity of its citizens abroad and, upon their return, to ensure their reintegration and the inclusion of them and their families,” the letter states. “The return process does not end at repatriation centers […] Words are not enough — concrete actions, greater transparency, and an adequate budget are needed to reflect that Mexicans abroad are a true priority for this government …”
The activists say immigrants of Mexican origin are facing an unprecedented crisis and a hostile environment in the United States. They say “arbitrary” detentions and “illegal” apprehensions are separating families and destroying the stability of communities.
Sheinbaum has publicly criticized the use of force in immigrant apprehensions in the U.S. and earlier pledged more travel resources so Mexican consulate officials can get to communities where immigration raids are taking place.
But according to Mexican news outlets, the Mexican government in 2025 reduced its consular protection services budget by 9.8 percent in 2025, to $28.5 million.
“Community organizations in both countries work in parallel with consulates, on the front lines accompanying migrant families and connecting them with the legal and financial resources to safeguard their well-being,” the American activists’ letter says. “However, we have witnessed firsthand that programs such as the Legal Assistance Program for Mexicans through External Legal Advisors (PALE) must be reinforced to ensure families receive support beyond an initial evaluation.”
The groups praised Mexican consuls’ willingness to respond to immigrants facing immediate challenges, they say resources often vary according to location.
“It is especially concerning that, at a time when Mexican nationals need this support the most, budget cuts are being considered that would put these services at risk,” the letter states. “We are concerned about the lack of transparency and systematic mechanisms to track what happens to deported individuals once they return to Mexico. The need for support and protection of a migrant does not end with deportation. There must be a mechanism to share information and help families locate their loved ones once they are back in Mexican territory.”