A new report from Mexico’s National Institute of Migration (INM) reveals that four out of every ten Mexican nationals deported from the U.S. require medical attention, often for chronic health issues.
According to the INM study, 40% of deported migrants are dealing with illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, or respiratory and intestinal conditions. Many also report being deported without the medications they need or suffering injuries during attempts to evade U.S. authorities.
“Many arrive in Mexico in need of emergency medical attention after going without their medical care or medications they were receiving,” said Dr. Juan Daniel García.
“It’s not rare that many of the deported who have lived north of the border for several years, suffer from diabetes or hypertension due to daily nutrition based on fatty foods and sugar from fast food.”
Since the beginning of Donald Trump’s presidency, nearly 60,000 Mexican nationals have been deported from the United States, according to INM figures.
Ground Realities in Tijuana
In Tijuana, Diana Ortiz Villacorta Ramírez, head of the migrant affairs office, says they’re currently receiving 10 to 15 deported individuals per day.
“These people are being returned by Border Patrol or ICE,” she explained. “But none have reported being apprehended during formal raids.”
She noted that it’s unclear where migrants detained during raids are being sent, and acknowledged the discrepancy between expected deportation numbers and those actually arriving.
“Most shelters in Tijuana—both private and publicly funded—are still mostly empty,” Villacorta Ramírez said. “But everyone remains on standby, ready for any potential surge.”
While the number of deportees hasn’t reached projected levels, the health crisis among those being returned is already evident, putting pressure on Mexican shelters and healthcare systems to respond to the growing need for urgent medical care.