In relation to Senate Bill 4 passed by the Texas Legislature, the Foreign Ministry, on behalf of the Government of Mexico, expresses its rejection of these anti-immigrant measures that aim to stop the flow of migrants by criminalizing them. This legislation will result in the separation of families, discrimination and racial profiling.
The Government of Mexico recognizes the sovereign right of a country to determine the public policies that are implemented in its territory. Nevertheless, it respectfully expresses its own legitimate right to protect the rights of its nationals in the United States, and to determine its own policies regarding entry into its territory. Therefore, the Government of Mexico categorically rejects any measure that allows state or local authorities to detain and return Mexican or foreign nationals to Mexican territory.
Mexico recognizes the importance of a uniform and consistent migration policy. Therefore, it supports the joint work done with the U.S. federal government to ensure that migration takes place in a safe, orderly, and regular manner, with respect for the human rights of persons in a situation of mobility.
Mexico also expresses its concern regarding the package of legislative measures that will affect the human rights of the more than 10 million people of Mexican origin residing in Texas, by fostering hostile environments that may lead to hate acts or crimes against migrant communities. In addition, the Government of Mexico reiterates its rejection of any measure that involves the involuntary return of migrants without respect for due process.
Upon learning about this legislation, which threaten the rights of the Mexican population, the Foreign Ministry’s North America Unit and Directorate General of Consular Protection and Strategic Planning instructed the eleven consular representations in Texas to:
- Hold more meetings with partner authorities, legislators and civil rights groups to strengthen their presence in the state.
- Hold a virtual or Austin-based meeting with the Mexican Civil Rights Advisory Group (MCRAG) to explore collaborative actions that benefit the Mexican community.
- Conduct information workshops on the legislation.
- Print and distribute information about preventive measures at key locations.
- Strengthen the "Know and exercise your rights" campaign and publicize the phone number of the Center for Information and Assistance for Mexicans (CIAM), which operates 24/7, in the media, on social networks and through partner groups.
- With the support of local partners, provide free immigration status assessments.
- Provide free legal and immigration advice through the lawyers participating in the External Legal Advice Program (PALE).
- Strengthen their ties with the local Mexican communities they serve, to understand their concerns and needs.
There is a meeting scheduled for November 16-17 in Dallas between the Directorate General of Consular Protection and Strategic Planning and the consular officials in charge of protection at the 11 Mexican consulates in Texas to outline additional actions to strengthen consular assistance and protection for the population.
The Government of Mexico will continue its efforts with the U.S. government to address the issue of migration, and reiterates its commitment to protect the rights of all Mexicans abroad. Through its network of consulates in Texas, the Foreign Ministry is ready to respond to any violation brought about by authorities in the state and will explore supporting strategic litigation to safeguard their human rights.