The Trump administration pursued backchannel communications with Mexico and El Salvador to address the complexities of deportation policies during its tenure. These discussions, held behind the scenes, sought to strengthen cooperation on immigration enforcement and to mitigate the surge of migrants entering the United States. The aim was to align strategies for border control while navigating the sensitivities of international relations with these neighboring nations.

The Trump administration's "Remain in Mexico" policy, which mandated that asylum applicants stay in Mexico while their cases were handled in U.S. courts, was a focal point of its interactions with Mexico. Mexico was under tremendous pressure to strengthen border security and make room for significant migrant populations as a result of this strategy. Mexico's assistance, which included the deployment of their National Guard to stop migrant flows—a decision that was both hailed and criticised for its humanitarian implications—was mostly secured through backchannel conversations.

Similarly, El Salvador became a critical partner in the administration's efforts to manage migration from Central America. Behind closed doors, discussions focused on enhancing El Salvador's capacity to retain its citizens and address the root causes of migration, such as poverty and violence. Agreements were reached to improve job opportunities and strengthen law enforcement within El Salvador, aiming to reduce the push factors driving migration.

These backchannel conversations highlight the complexities of international diplomacy in regulating migration. While the Trump administration was chastised for its harsh immigration policy, these private discussions highlighted the significance of working with neighbouring nations to address common concerns. The strategy highlighted the delicate balance between ensuring national security and adhering to international norms, establishing a legacy that continues to shape immigration policy discussions today.