Author Accuses Neighboring Nation of Using Migration for Political Influence

A conservative investigative author has alleged that the country’s southern neighbor is operating what he describes as a coordinated influence effort, using diplomatic missions, education programs and migrant outreach initiatives in ways that reportedly go far beyond traditional diplomacy.

Peter Schweizer, in an interview with local media, said his forthcoming book documents what he terms “weaponized immigration,” a strategy he claims foreign officials view as a means to exert political leverage within the nation’s borders.

“Foreign powers are using migration as a weapon to undermine [the country’s] sovereignty,” Schweizer reportedly said, pointing to the neighboring nation as what he described as a clear example of this phenomenon.

Schweizer highlighted the extensive diplomatic presence maintained by the southern neighbor, noting that the country operates 53 consulates nationwide — reportedly far more than most allied nations maintain.

According to the author, who co-founded a conservative think tank with a former presidential strategist, consular officials have allegedly been involved in organizing political activity, which he characterized as a violation of diplomatic protocols.

The allegations center on claims that foreign consular officials have supported or encouraged protests against immigration enforcement agencies, with Schweizer pointing to what he described as instances where officials praised community mobilization following enforcement actions.

Foreign consulates routinely provide legal assistance and outreach to migrant communities after enforcement raids, which officials characterize as standard consular protection duties, though critics argue such efforts blur the line between assistance and political activism.

Schweizer also cited the role of so-called “migrant legislators” — elected officials from the neighboring country who reside domestically and represent nationals living abroad — as evidence of cross-border political engagement. While these officials do not hold local office, some have reportedly participated in advocacy events, raising questions among critics about foreign political activity.

The author further claimed the foreign government actively discourages assimilation among migrants, pointing to government-produced textbooks distributed to local school districts.

“The [neighboring] government gives textbooks to school districts from the western seaboard to the southeastern coast,” Schweizer reportedly said. “Those textbooks are designed to make sure that migrant children view themselves as [foreign nationals] first.”

These government-produced textbooks are distributed through the consular network, primarily as donated supplemental materials published by the foreign state’s textbook authority and made available through consulates, libraries, community centers and schools requesting them for heritage instruction.

According to Schweizer, the textbooks present what he described as a highly politicized version of the nation’s history, including depictions of historical conflicts that frame the country as an adversary.

Schweizer also alleged coordination between foreign diplomatic missions and domestic advocacy groups that he said crosses into electoral politics. He referenced a 2024 meeting held at a consulate that reportedly included diplomatic officials and political party activists.

“The conversation was about how [one coastal state] had been turned from conservative to progressive, [a southwestern state] had been turned from conservative to progressive, and how [opposition party members] were going to ‘find out’ that they were planning to turn the whole country progressive,” Schweizer said, citing what he described as a meeting transcript.

When asked whether such conduct would violate domestic law, Schweizer said foreign diplomats are prohibited from participating in local elections and argued that expulsion of involved officials would be appropriate.

Schweizer also pointed to a foreign government-backed streaming platform he said was created to communicate with migrants, claiming the content showed clear political bias in favor of certain candidates while portraying enforcement officials in extreme terms.

The allegations emerge as relations between the capital and its southern neighbor remain strained, with the current leader warning of tougher action against cross-border criminal organizations and border security failures. The head of state has said the nation is prepared to escalate its posture, while the neighboring country’s president has emphasized cooperation and respect for sovereignty.

The foreign leader has highlighted what she describes as progress in security cooperation, declining migration flows and joint enforcement efforts, while warning against any violation of territorial integrity.

Schweizer said he remains skeptical of those assurances, arguing that migration provides the neighboring nation with both economic and political leverage, noting that over $60 billion flows southward in remittances annually — what he described as “a crucial lifeline.”

In 2024, the neighboring country received around $62.5 billion in remittances, according to regional economists.

Foreign officials have previously stated that their consulates exist to provide services and protect the rights of their nationals abroad, emphasizing partnership on security and border enforcement.

The foreign embassy could not be reached for comment on the allegations.