Claudia Sheinbaum, the mayor of Mexico City, recently declared that Mexican migrants residing in the United States and holding a Mexican phone number must register their devices with the Clave Única de Registro de Población (CURP). This mandatory registration aims to bolster efforts against crimes such as phone extortion. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance security for Mexicans abroad and to establish a more effective method of tracking and managing mobile communications for diaspora members.

According to the announcements, the registration process entails providing personal details such as full name, birth date, nationality, and biometric data including fingerprints. This requirement not only aims to reduce criminal activities targeting the Mexican community overseas but also to ensure that migrants can maintain their mobile services without interruptions. Failure to register by the mandatory deadline of July 2026 will result in the blockage of mobile lines, putting pressure on the Mexican diaspora to comply or lose access to their phone services.

The implications of this policy extend beyond just procedural requirements; it raises significant questions about privacy, security, and the relationship between migrants and their home country. While the government touts the measure as a way to enhance public safety, it may also contribute to a climate of surveillance among vulnerable populations. As the deadline approaches, many are left evaluating the balance between securing their communication means and the potential risks of sharing sensitive personal information with governmental systems.