Both visits have attracted considerable media attention in a country that has traditionally resented anything that can resemble foreign meddling. Mexican immigration officials have expelled 74 people from southern Chiapas state in the last five years on charges they were taking sides in the conflict. Robinson's remarks on Chiapas last year came days after security forces marched on the village of El Bosque, an alleged Zapatista stronghold, leaving eight suspected guerrilla supporters and one policeman dead. Mexico's government meanwhile planned to draw Robinson's attention to the hundreds of Mexicans who die each year crossing the 2,000-mile U.S. border to seek work. Robinson's itinerary includes border crossing points near Tijuana and meetings with local rights groups.
Many migrant workers protest they are subject to repeated abuse by U.S. police forces.