U.S. Raids Threaten Yucatán’s 30% Remittance Drop

Yucatán, Mexico — Raids and deportations in the United States could lead to a 30% decline in remittances to Yucatán, jeopardizing the livelihoods of thousands of families dependent on these funds. Activists are urging immediate measures to prevent a humanitarian crisis.

Economic Impact of U.S. Immigration Crackdown

In 2024, Yucatán received approximately 8.5 billion pesos in remittances, a figure now at risk due to intensified immigration enforcement under U.S. President Donald Trump. Miguel Martínez Contreras, a representative of Poder Migrante Mexicano, warned that if raids continue, many Yucatecan workers in the U.S. may lose their jobs out of fear of detention, drastically reducing money sent back home.

“If they don’t work, they can’t send money, and this will directly impact households in municipalities like Mérida, Oxkutzcab, Tekax, Peto, Cenotillo, and Tunkás,” Martínez Contreras explained.

Additional Financial Strain from New Tax

Compounding the issue, a new 3.5% tax on remittances in the U.S. will further reduce the net amount received by families in Mexico. While Mexico’s Financiera para el Bienestar has announced lower transfer fees, the exact deduction remains unclear.

Martínez Contreras cautioned that if raids escalate, up to 20,000 Yucatecans could face deportation in the coming months. Although mass returns have not yet occurred, fear has already paralyzed many workers.

Calls for Government Action

Poder Migrante Mexicano has initiated internal support measures, including establishing a secretariat for indigenous migrants and planning expansions to Mexico City, Chiapas, and San Luis Potosí. Approximately 40% of Mexican migrants in the U.S. are farmers and indigenous people, who are particularly vulnerable in this crisis.

Martínez criticized the lack of concrete action from Mexico’s Congress and all levels of government. He proposed amending Article 151 of the Income Tax Law to mandate donations to migrant support organizations.

Broader Consequences

The decline in remittances threatens not only individual families but could also trigger a silent humanitarian crisis in Yucatán, marked by reduced consumption, rising poverty, and potential social unrest.

The situation remains critical as stakeholders await further developments in U.S. immigration policy and its ripple effects on Yucatán’s economy.