By redaccion
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Two days after President-elect Donald Trump threatened to impose sweeping tariffs on Canada and Mexico to address illegal immigration and drug trafficking, he announced he had reached an agreement with Mexico to stop migration through its territory.
In a post on his Truth Social account Wednesday evening, Trump said he had a “very productive conversation” with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who, he claimed, agreed to take measures that would “effectively close our Southern Border.”
Sheinbaum confirmed the call, describing it as an “excellent conversation” and noting that Mexico is already taking steps to prevent migrant caravans from reaching the U.S. border.
“We discussed Mexico’s strategy on migration issues, and I told him the caravans are not reaching the northern (U.S.) border because Mexico is taking care of them,” Sheinbaum wrote on social media. “We also talked about reinforcing cooperation on security issues, within the framework of our sovereignty, and the campaign we are carrying out to prevent fentanyl consumption.”
Tariff Threat Looms
While both leaders highlighted their commitment to addressing migration and security concerns, it remains unclear how their conversation might influence Trump’s proposed tariff policy.
On Monday, Trump announced plans to impose a 25% tax on all goods entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico as part of his administration’s efforts to curb illegal immigration. He framed the tariffs as a response to what he described as an ongoing crisis at the southern border, despite data showing that illegal border crossings have recently declined.
In his announcement, Trump criticized the current state of border security, calling it “a complete failure.” He vowed that the tariffs would be one of his first executive orders after taking office on Jan. 20.
Migration Numbers Decline
Contrary to Trump’s claims of an escalating crisis, U.S. border officials report that illegal migration along the U.S.-Mexico border has decreased significantly in recent months. Apprehensions have dropped by 40% since reaching an all-time high in December, marking the lowest levels in nearly four years.
Experts attribute the decline to increased cooperation between the Biden administration and the Mexican government. Mexico has ramped up enforcement measures, including heightened vigilance around rail yards and highway checkpoints, to prevent migrants from traveling northward.
“Mexican authorities have been instrumental in reducing migration flows,” said a U.S. Customs and Border Protection official, speaking on condition of anonymity. “The recent numbers reflect a collaborative approach that’s been in place for months.”
A Complex Relationship
Trump’s call with Sheinbaum underscores the complex relationship between the U.S. and Mexico on migration and security issues. While Trump celebrated the conversation as a breakthrough, Sheinbaum emphasized Mexico’s sovereignty and ongoing efforts to address migration independently.
Her comments suggest that while Mexico is willing to collaborate on shared challenges, it is not necessarily implementing policies dictated by the U.S.
“We have always handled migration in a way that respects human rights and our national sovereignty,” Sheinbaum said in her post. “Our focus is on addressing the root causes of migration while ensuring that Mexico does its part to prevent illegal crossings.”
Trump’s tariff proposal and his claims of a border agreement with Mexico signal the kind of hardline policies he intends to pursue as he prepares to take office. However, analysts caution that any sweeping changes could face legal challenges and logistical hurdles.
“Imposing a 25% tariff on two of the U.S.’s largest trading partners would have significant economic repercussions,” said Heather Williams, a trade policy expert. “It’s not just about immigration—it’s about how these policies could impact businesses and consumers on both sides of the border.”
For now, the details of Trump’s conversation with Sheinbaum and the extent of any new agreements remain unclear. As the Jan. 20 inauguration date approaches, both countries appear to be bracing for a potential shift in U.S.-Mexico relations under Trump’s leadership.
Trump’s announcement of an agreement with Mexico on migration is the latest development in his efforts to tighten border security. While he touts the conversation as a success, the actual impact on his proposed tariff policy and broader U.S.-Mexico cooperation remains to be seen.
