In response to Donald Trump‘s threats of mass deportations, Mexico is making a new app that’s supposed to protect migrants from U.S. immigration officials. Juan Ramón de la Fuente, Mexico’s secretary of foreign affairs, told CNN that the Alert Button has already been rolled for testing and it “appears to be working very well.”
According to Fuente, the app works like a panic button that allows users to press a tab and alert relatives who may be in danger of getting detained by the U.S. immigration department.
“In case you find yourself in a situation where detention is imminent, you push the alert button, and that sends a signal to the nearest consulate,” Fuente said, adding that the app is expected to be available in January.
Mexico has already stated its stepping up its effort provide legal aid for migrants who are facing deportation. According to the Mexican government there are about 11.5 million migrants in the United States who are living with legal residency. There are also 4.8 million living without proper documents, per CNN.
According to ABC News, Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the app will allow relatives to notify the “consulate closest to their location about situations of imminent detention, notify family members who have previously been selected, as well as report to the Foreign Affairs Secretary.” Fuente added that the Mexican Digital Transformation Agency developed the app.
“The foreign affairs secretary was emphatic in pointing out that to deport someone from the United States you need a court order, a final sentence of deportation or removal, and that is where the consular team will be very aware that due process is complied with,” the Mexican government stated.
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