Claudia Sheinbaum assumes the presidency with many challenges in migration. IDC presents a way forward to end immigration detention and use alternatives

MEXICO CITY, Mexico

With Claudia Sheinbaum now sworn in as Mexico’s first female president on October 1st, International Detention Coalition (IDC) presents a path forward towards ending immigration detention of refugees and persons in need of international protection in the country.

IDC’s new briefing paper — grounded in more than a decade of work in the country — highlights that immigration detention exacerbates the vulnerabilities of those seeking safety and protection in Mexico, with a marked negative impact on their physical, psychosocial and emotional health, as well as on communities. Instead of detention, non-custodial alternatives such as community-based reception and support, as well as case management, have proven kinder, safer, cheaper and more effective.

The briefing paper aims to support Mexico’s new administration towards a more humane approach to migration that is in line with Mexico’s historical tradition of asylum.

As a first step, it urges implementing a screening tool to identify vulnerabilities and needs of people entering the country.

IDC is ready to collaborate with the incoming government and other civil society organisations and networks to improve the treatment of migrants and refugees, and to develop policies that prioritise human rights and long-term solutions.

Mexico’s role as a country of origin, transit and destination for people in need of international protection places enormous pressure on its migration policies and border management systems. Sheinbaum’s arrival to the presidency offers an opportunity to adopt migration policies that respect human rights, including reducing the use of immigration detention and expanding community-based alternatives.

As Mexico heads into a new six-year term, IDC stands ready to work with the government, providing expertise, research and support towards a more humane and sustainable migration system. This new briefing paper is just the start, and we hope it sparks meaningful dialogue and action on the issue of immigration detention and its alternatives.