Could This New Border Playbook Actually WORK?

The Mayor of Nogales, Sonora, congratulates President Trump’s deportation strategy—supporting what he calls a more effective and sustainable approach to controlling migration and coordinating returns across the border.

At a Glance

  • Nogales Mayor Juan Francisco Gim Nogales praised Trump’s deportation plan, calling it “cleaning house”
  • The U.S. is reportedly flying deportees far from the border to reduce repeat crossings
  • Since February, Nogales has received around 60 migrants daily—well below earlier predictions
  • Mexican and U.S. officials meet monthly to manage migrant returns
  • The mayor believes the policy benefits national economies and breaks migrant re-entry cycles

Nogales Mayor Applauds New Strategy

Speaking to Fox News Digital, Mayor Juan Francisco Gim Nogales of Nogales, Sonora endorsed President Trump’s updated deportation approach, stating, “What the United States is doing with its immigration policy is cleaning house. And then, maybe, eventually, they’ll say, ‘Now let’s recruit, but in accordance with my new rules.’” He suggested that by deporting migrants far from the border, Trump has disrupted the repeated crossings that previously frustrated U.S. and Mexican authorities.

Gim Nogales added that the number of daily deportees—about 60—was far lower than expected, thanks to coordinated planning and infrastructure prepared in advance.

Binational Coordination Softens the Blow

The mayor highlighted a monthly binational forum involving U.S. Customs and Border Protection, ICE, and Mexican officials to streamline migrant returns—from Nogales to interior destinations in Mexico. He emphasized this coordination also aids in sheltering deportees, avoiding human-trafficking risks, and improving local conditions during what was once a chaotic process.

What This Signals for U.S.–Mexico Policy

The recent acknowledgment by Mexican officials of a U.S. deportation strategy highlights a significant shift in collaborative efforts between the two nations regarding immigration policy. This development raises important questions for the future. 

First, there’s a possibility that the deportation model could be implemented in other border cities, potentially influencing migration patterns. Additionally, Mexico may need to consider enhancing its support and infrastructure to manage the influx of returning migrants more effectively. Finally, a critical concern will be whether U.S. authorities plan to sustain this policy as a long-term measure to deter illegal crossings, which could have profound implications for both countries.

With cross-border coordination showing early results, leaders on both sides may see this as a framework for future immigration policy—blending enforcement with structured returns.