Abstract

This article analyzes the protection of migrant children in Mexico based on the principle of the best interests of the child, as recognized in international instruments such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child. This principle requires that the full exercise of the rights of children and adolescents be guaranteed, particularly given their vulnerable status. The article highlights the reform of the Migration Law (2020), which transforms the approach to caring for migrant children. Among its main changes, it prohibits their detention in immigration detention centers, assigns responsibility for their protection to the DIF system, and prioritizes their well-being through measures such as family reunification and the individual assessment of each case. Furthermore, it establishes that authorities must act in accordance with plans for the restoration of rights and under the supervision of the Protection Ombudsman’s Offices. This reform seeks to ensure comprehensive, specialized care that respects human rights through institutional coordination and staff training.