Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has seemingly challenged President-elect Donald Trump‘s assertion that an agreement has been reached to curb migration to the US border.
Following a phone conversation on Wednesday, Trump took to social media to announce: “She has agreed to stop Migration through Mexico and into the United States, effectively closing our Southern Border.”
Sheinbaum promptly clarified that Mexico’s stance is not to close its borders but to tackle migration issues while upholding human rights.
On Monday, Trump raised concerns among US trading partners by pledging that upon his inauguration in January, he would impose a 25% blanket tariff on Mexico and Canada and a 10% tariff on China.
The removal of import duties on Mexico and Canada is contingent upon the cessation of illegal immigration and drug trafficking into the United States, according to his statement.
He stated that China would face tariffs until it took decisive action against the smuggling of the drug fentanyl.
On Wednesday, Sheinbaum committed to responding if the United States instigated a trade war.
“In the event of US tariffs being implemented, Mexico would respond by increasing its tariffs,” she stated during a press conference.
Accompanying her was Mexican Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard, who emphasized the need for increased regional cooperation.
“It’s a shot in the foot,” Ebrard remarked regarding Trump’s proposed duties, which seem to violate the USMCA trade agreement that Trump negotiated in 2018 during his initial term in office between the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
After a phone call with Trump, Sheinbaum told X that the two had engaged in “an excellent conversation.”
“We engaged in a conversation regarding Mexico’s approach to the migration issue, highlighting that [migrant] caravans are not reaching the northern border due to the support they are receiving within Mexico.”
Trump subsequently utilized his social media platform, Truth Social, to present a somewhat altered perspective on the agreements reached during their discussion.
“Effective immediately, Mexico will implement measures to prevent individuals from reaching our Southern Border,” he stated.
Sheinbaum returned to X to state that she had “explained to him [Trump] the comprehensive strategy that Mexico has followed to address the migration phenomenon, respecting human rights.”
“We emphasize that Mexico’s stance is not to close borders but to foster connections between governments and communities,” she stated.
In a significant move, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau convened an emergency meeting on Wednesday with ten provincial premiers to address the looming threat of tariffs proposed by President Trump.
Following the discussions, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland announced that the federal government and the premiers had reached a consensus to present a united front.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith raised concerns regarding Prime Minister Trudeau’s suitability as a negotiator with the incoming US president, highlighting potential divisions in the political landscape.
In an interview with CBC, she stated, “I don’t think we should underestimate the personal animus between these two leaders.” Should Trudeau prove unsuitable for the negotiation table, we must ensure the presence of a more qualified individual.
Mainland Authorities in China have not yet issued a direct response to Trump’s pledge of a 10% tariff.
A Chinese embassy official in Washington stated that a trade war would result in no winners.
The topic of illegal immigration emerged as a pivotal issue in the 2024 White House election, ultimately contributing to Trump’s decisive victory this month. The candidate’s campaign centered around a commitment to secure the US-Mexico border.
In response to a significant surge of undocumented immigrants that has posed challenges for the Democratic Party, outgoing US President Joe Biden has implemented new restrictions aimed at dramatically decreasing illegal crossings during this election cycle.
In response to diplomatic pressure from the United States, Mexico has initiated its most extensive migrant enforcement operation to date, transporting non-Mexican migrants by bus and air to the southern regions of the country, well away from the US border.
The ongoing practice depletes the already weary migrants, stripping them of the financial resources needed to proceed with their journey.
In a striking development, thousands have expressed a sense of defeat stemming from ongoing experiences of what is termed internal deportation, leading many to seek repatriation to their home countries voluntarily.
As Trump prepares to assume the presidency, he will face a unique scenario: the number of undocumented migrants apprehended at the US southern border has reached its lowest point in four years.
