Migration patterns in Mexico have undergone significant changes in recent years. While the large caravans of migrants once moving steadily through the country have slowed, the movement has not stopped. Catholic shelters continue to play a vital role in supporting both new arrivals and repatriated individuals, providing food, shelter, and guidance to vulnerable populations.
In Tapachula, a southern city near the Guatemalan border and a key entry point for migrants from Central and South America, the diocesan shelter Belén once served around 500 people daily. Over the past two years, the number of migrants visiting the shelter has gradually declined, particularly after January 2025, when U.S. immigration policies became stricter. Despite the decrease, the shelter still serves between 80 and 120 people each day. Many stay briefly on their journey, while some await legal processing to remain in Mexico, and others reside in growing migrant settlements within the city. Tapachula’s limited infrastructure, compared to larger cities like Monterrey or Mexico City, makes addressing these needs a constant challenge for the local Church and humanitarian organizations.
In northern Mexico, migration trends are also shifting, especially in Tijuana, a major crossing point into the United States. The flow of people traveling north has dropped sharply, but the city has seen an increase in repatriated individuals returning from the United States. In 2025, the Mexican government returned approximately 160,000 people, mainly through Tijuana and Mexicali. The Scalabrinian Missionaries’ shelter in Tijuana now houses an average of 15 repatriated individuals each day. Some stay for a few days, while others choose to settle permanently, requiring longer-term support.
Repatriated migrants often need housing, food, employment, medical care, and psychological support. In Tijuana, the shelter primarily serves men, while women and children are referred to the Madre Asunta center, operated by the Missionary Sisters of St. Charles. Both shelters work to provide stability, safety, and guidance, helping migrants rebuild their lives and integrate into local communities.
Despite the smaller and less predictable migration flows, Catholic shelters remain critical lifelines. Through practical assistance and compassionate care, the Church continues to uphold human dignity and respond to the needs of the most vulnerable. Even as migration evolves, these organizations stand as essential partners for migrants and repatriated individuals navigating uncertainty and displacement, showing a concrete example of faith in action.
