Mexico prepares to welcome US migrants after Trump’s return order

However, he nevertheless recognizes the potential stress that President Trump’s emergency declaration at the US border could place on Mexico.

An estimated 5 million undocumented Mexicans currently live in the United States and the prospect of a mass return could quickly saturate and overwhelm border cities like Juárez and Tijuana.

It is a problem that worries José Maria García Lara, director of the Youth 2000 migrant shelter in Tijuana. As he shows me around the facility, which is already close to capacity, he says there are very few places he can fit more families.

“If necessary, maybe we can put some people in the kitchen or the library,” he says.

However, there comes a point when there is simply no room left, and donations of food, medical supplies, blankets and hygiene products will be stretched too thin.

“We are being hit on two fronts. First, the arrival of Mexicans and other migrants fleeing violence,” says García.

“But also, we will have mass deportations. We don’t know how many people will encounter the border who need our help. Together, these two things could create a big problem.”