Mexico’s President Challenges Trump’s Claims on Migration Agreement
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has pushed back against U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s assertion that they had reached a deal to halt migration through Mexico to the U.S. border. Trump, following a phone call with Sheinbaum on Wednesday, claimed on his social media platform that Mexico would effectively “close the Southern Border.”
However, Sheinbaum quickly clarified Mexico’s stance, emphasizing that their approach prioritizes managing migration while upholding human rights, rather than shutting borders.
Trump’s Tariff Threat Sparks Global Concerns
This latest development follows Trump’s Monday declaration to impose hefty tariffs once he takes office in January: a 25% duty on goods from Mexico and Canada, and a 10% levy on Chinese imports. Trump argued these tariffs would remain until illegal immigration and drug trafficking into the U.S. ceased and until China addressed fentanyl smuggling.
Sheinbaum, speaking at a press conference alongside Mexico’s Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard, warned of reciprocal measures if the U.S. initiated a trade war. “Mexico will respond in kind,” she said firmly, with Ebrard adding that such tariffs would violate the USMCA trade agreement established under Trump’s previous presidency.
Ebrard criticized the proposed tariffs as counterproductive, saying, “It’s shooting yourself in the foot.” He urged closer regional collaboration instead of unilateral actions.
Dueling Narratives on Migration Talks
Despite their differences, Sheinbaum initially described her conversation with Trump as “excellent” in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). She mentioned sharing details of Mexico’s migration strategy, noting that migrant caravans were no longer reaching the northern border due to Mexico’s interventions.
Trump, however, presented a starkly different interpretation, stating Mexico had agreed to stop migration to the U.S. immediately. Hours later, Sheinbaum reaffirmed Mexico’s position, stressing that their efforts focus on building cooperation rather than closing borders.
“We’ve explained our comprehensive approach to migration, which respects human rights,” she wrote on X, reiterating that Mexico seeks to build bridges, not barriers.
Canada and China Respond to Trade Tensions
Trump’s tariff threats have also drawn sharp reactions from Canada and China. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau convened an emergency meeting with provincial leaders to formulate a united response. Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland underscored their commitment to solidarity, but internal disagreements surfaced. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith questioned Trudeau’s ability to negotiate effectively with Trump, citing personal tensions between the two leaders.
Meanwhile, Chinese officials have refrained from commenting directly on the proposed tariffs but warned that trade wars yield no winners.
Migration and Border Politics Under the Spotlight
Illegal immigration was a cornerstone of Trump’s victorious 2024 campaign, where he pledged to secure the U.S.-Mexico border. The issue had already become a major flashpoint, with outgoing President Joe Biden implementing stricter measures earlier this year to reduce crossings amid political pressure.
Mexico, under U.S. diplomatic influence, has intensified its crackdown on migrants by relocating them to the country’s southern regions, far from the U.S. border. These internal deportations have left many migrants exhausted and financially drained, with thousands opting to return to their home countries.
As Trump prepares to assume office, the border situation appears calmer, with apprehensions at a four-year low. However, tensions over migration and trade suggest that the challenges between the two nations are far from resolved.
