Mexico’s Ambassador Declines Opinion on Trump Immigration Policy
Mexico’s ambassador to the United States, Esteban Moctezuma Barragán, stated that the Mexican government does not hold an official opinion on President Donald Trump’s intensified immigration enforcement measures, characterizing the decisions as a matter of U.S. sovereignty. During a diplomatic visit to Dallas, Moctezuma addressed the issue with a stance of non-intervention, telling reporters, “It’s something we don’t have an opinion on and don’t get involved in.” While maintaining neutrality regarding internal U.S. policy decisions, the ambassador emphasized that Mexico remains fully committed to providing assistance and resources to Mexican nationals who face deportation.
Moctezuma’s comments came during a routine tour of Texas, where he met with business and university leaders in Dallas and San Antonio. A key component of his itinerary included visits to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities to assess the treatment of Mexican detainees. Although inclement weather forced the closure of the Dallas ICE field office during his scheduled stop, he proceeded to inspect the Karnes County Immigration Processing Center. Moctezuma observed that while the physical conditions and overall treatment of detainees appeared fair, many individuals were suffering from significant psychological distress due to their legal uncertainties. He noted that some detainees, overwhelmed by the complicated situation, have expressed a preference for voluntary return to Mexico to expedite their release from U.S. custody.
The ambassador, appointed in 2021 by former Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, continues to serve under the administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum. His visit occurs against the backdrop of the Trump administration’s renewed push for strict immigration controls, which includes the reinstatement of the “Remain in Mexico” program and expanded removal operations. President Sheinbaum has separately reinforced Mexico’s stance on sovereignty, recently rejecting proposals for joint U.S. operations on Mexican soil while maintaining open dialogue on security and trade. Despite these diplomatic and border tensions, Moctezuma highlighted the resilience of the economic partnership, noting that the commercial relationship between the U.S. and Mexico grew by approximately 5% in 2025.
While the ambassador adhered to diplomatic protocols, the aggressive enforcement policies have generated significant objections from humanitarian organizations and advocacy groups. Critics argue that the crackdown disproportionately targets vulnerable populations, including asylum seekers fleeing persecution, and fosters a climate of fear within Hispanic communities. Moctezuma himself acknowledged the human toll, citing the mental health challenges faced by those in detention. To mitigate the impact on returning citizens, he pointed to the “Mexico te Abraza” program, which has already assisted roughly 150,000 individuals with reintegration support. The ambassador reiterated that while Mexico respects U.S. jurisdiction over its borders, its consular network will continue to prioritize the protection and welfare of its citizens abroad.
dallasnews.com
dallasnews.com
dallasnews.com
dallasnews.com
dallasnews.com
dallasnews.com
dallasnews.com
dallasnews.com
yourvalley.net
