Concerns in Mexico over new Tennessee anti-immigrant law

• Tennessee anti-immigrant law worries Mexico.
• The Secretary of Foreign Affairs speaks out.
• What does this law do?

TENSION BETWEEN THE U.S. AND MEXICO? The Secretary of Foreign Affairs in Mexico has expressed her concern about the recent anti-immigrant laws being passed in some U.S. states.

Tennessee is the latest state to pass a controversial anti-immigrant bill.

These measures potentially put local and state authorities at odds with the federal government.

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Tennessee anti-immigrant law worries in Mexico

The Secretary of Foreign Affairs in Mexico, Alicia Bárcena, expressed “great concern” on Friday, according to the EFE agency.

This is due to several new immigration laws in the United States, specifically the recently approved SB-2576 in Tennessee.

«We see with great concern new measures in the United States against the human rights of our migrants,» she warned in a message on her official X account.

It is essential that both countries work together to address these issues in a fair and humanitarian manner, respecting the rights and dignity of all people involved.

What will happen next?

Republican Governor Bill Lee signed two new laws this week.

One requires state and local police to inform the immigration authorities if they suspect anyone of being in the country without documents.

According to Senator Brent Taylor, also a Republican, the law will go into effect on July 1.

This will also apply to previously detained individuals.

More anti-immigrant laws in the United States?

This new law joins others approved at the state level in the United States, such as Iowa’s SB-2340.

This will classify undocumented re-entry or remaining in the state after the denial of immigration relief as a serious crime.

Texas SB-34, now on hold, would allow Texas authorities to detain and deport migrants.

The Mexican Foreign Minister committed to «strengthen consular assistance in the face of possible cases of family separation, as well as discriminatory practices and racial profiling.»

What do the Mexican authorities say?

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs under Andrés Manuel López Obrador issued a new warning in Iowa.

The government indicated on Wednesday that, through the Mexican Consulate in Omaha (Nebraska), «Prevention and information measures have been implemented so that Mexican people in the state know their rights.»

She also warned that she «will be vigilant to respond to any violation.»

«And, as it has done before similar initiatives, it will explore legal resources that contribute to the defense of the rights of Mexican people in the state.»

What does Mexico’s president say?

President López Obrador talked in his daily conference on Friday about the confusion over state and federal authority in the U.S.

«The government of Texas and other states are wanting to decide on international issues regarding immigration.»

These state laws may be at odds with federal laws in the United States in a response to increased numbers of people crossing the southern border.

Mexico has reported an increase of about 77% in irregular migration in 2023, including more than 782,000 undocumented foreigners.