**U.S. Identifies 270,000 Mexicans for Possible Repatriation**
The U.S. government has identified approximately 270,000 Mexican nationals who are residing in the country illegally and could face deportation along the northern Mexican border, according to Kurt Honold Morales, the Secretary of Economy and Innovation for Baja California. Honold mentioned that the major areas where these deportations might occur include Tijuana (Baja California), Ciudad Juárez (Chihuahua), and Reynosa (Tamaulipas). However, he emphasized that these deportations would be scheduled and not happen suddenly.
As the inauguration of Donald Trump approaches, there is still uncertainty regarding the daily number of deportations and how many of the undocumented Mexicans have criminal records. Nevertheless, Honold assured that the U.S. would notify Mexico of repatriations, whether they occur via land or air, particularly in cases involving individuals with a criminal background.
Honold also addressed speculation regarding the Trump administration’s potential classification of cartels as terrorist organizations, noting that Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Ministry will need to collaborate with the U.S. Department of State to determine the appropriate course of action, considering the implications involved.
Despite concerns over insecurity in Baja California and other regions, Honold claimed that investors remain unperturbed. He noted that the primary focus for investors is talent availability, followed by infrastructure, such as electricity, rather than organized crime, which he linked to drug-related activities.
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**Secondary Article: Potential Implications and Regional Concerns**
As discussions about potential deportations loom, regions close to the U.S.-Mexico border brace for the possible impacts. Local authorities in places like Tijuana have already begun preparations for a potential influx of repatriated citizens, considering options for temporary shelters and resources to support those returning unexpectedly. Concerns are growing that if large numbers of people are deported simultaneously, local infrastructure could be overwhelmed.
Additionally, some state governments in Mexico are expressing apprehension about how to handle the sudden increase in population, particularly in areas already grappling with economic or social challenges. Beyond immediate logistical issues, there are also worries about how communities will integrate returning individuals, some of whom may have lived in the U.S. for extended periods and may face challenges readapting to life in Mexico.
The ongoing discussions and preparations highlight the need for diplomacy and strategic planning between U.S. and Mexican authorities to address the humanitarian aspects of these deportations and ensure that basic human rights are respected during the process.