I feel it’s the right time to share this now that Trump is back like he never left.
This is for our brothers and sisters planning to pass through Mexico—you know what I mean. Take this as the only truth you need for now. If you’re still in Panama, Costa Rica, Ecuador, or Brazil, my advice is to stay there for the time being. Be smart. Learn the language and get your documents in order(docky). Those documents will make a big difference in the months ahead and could even help you travel directly to Mexico next year. If you navigate these countries wisely, within a year, you can secure a 5- or 10-year stay.
For those already in Mexico, Mexico City is the most strategic place to wait right now. Apply for your “adoro” and attend all the appointments at the COMAR office. COMAR also has offices in places like Tapachula and Tijuana, but I’m using Mexico City as an example based on my experience. Tijuana isn’t a bad place to wait either. While you’re waiting, make it a priority to learn the language—it’ll serve you well.
Now, why do I recommend staying in Mexico, Panama, or Brazil for now? It’s simple: the borders are essentially closed, except for direct entry. If you go through direct entry, you’ll need to surrender yourself to border patrol and customs at a control point. From there, you’ll likely be held for 1–2 days in those cold cells where they serve cold bologna sandwiches. After that, you’ll be transferred to an immigration detention center (essentially another type of prison, where conditions can be worse than those for actual prisoners).
Once you’re in the detention center, there’s no quick way out. You’ll wait months before your case is resolved in immigration court. This process can be even more frustrating if you cross through the Juarez-El Paso border (Rio Grande) and end up stuck in the 10th Circuit Courts. If you’re unlucky enough to land there, you’ll understand what I mean when I say it’s better to wait in Mexico until the dust settles.
Those in the mentioned journey countries may as well look for free legal clinics where they reside as many non-profits and community organizations offer legal assistance and can connect one with experienced immigration attorneys.
This can be a cost-effective way to get quality legal advice.
For now, stay in Mexico and prepare. Present yourself at a border next year when things are more organized. Tijuana is still your best option, but pray you aren’t transferred to another state or detention center, as each facility has its own procedures. Some centers offer low bonds or quicker release, while others will hold you for your entire asylum process.
Don’t let anyone mislead you—not even your family here. Many of them are misinformed and don’t understand how immigration laws work. I’ve seen too many cases where ignorance and bad advice led to deportations.
With Trump back, you’ll see many inexperienced lawyers trying to cash in on asylum cases. This often frustrates immigration judges. Don’t gamble with your future—hire a solid, experienced immigration attorney, not someone who typically handles traffic tickets or criminal cases. Judges like Mr. Abbott have seen this happen too often and even refer people to lawyers with a proven track record in immigration law.
I’ve spent time studying the immigration process and know how it works. With Trump, the system has reverted to “Catch and Keep” instead of “Catch and Release” like under the two previous Democratic presidents.
There’s more to discuss—transfers between detention centers, asylum processes, and options based on political or religious grounds—but for now, take this advice seriously. Open your minds, learn, and share this knowledge to help others navigating this journey toward a better future. Will be back with more.