Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has disputed the interpretation of a phone call between her and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, in which Trump claimed that the two had struck a deal to stop migration across Mexico’s southern border. Trump made waves by posting online that Sheinbaum had agreed to halt migration through Mexico, effectively closing the U.S. southern border. However, Sheinbaum quickly corrected the record, stating that Mexico’s stance is to address migration issues while maintaining respect for human rights, not to close borders. This contradiction highlights the tense dynamics as both countries navigate their relationship amid rising concerns over immigration and trade.
The phone conversation, which took place on Wednesday, marked the latest in a series of diplomatic exchanges focused on immigration policies. After Trump’s post on social media, Sheinbaum took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify that Mexico’s position had always been consistent—its focus is on addressing migration through cooperation, not border closures. She noted that migrants were not reaching the northern border because they were being cared for within Mexico’s southern regions. This back-and-forth underscores the differences in how both leaders perceive the responsibilities of their nations in addressing the complex migration phenomenon.
Trump Threatens Tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China Over Migration and Drug Trafficking
On the same day, President-elect Trump stirred controversy by announcing his intention to impose a 25% tariff on Mexico and Canada, alongside a 10% tariff on China, as part of a broader effort to curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking to the U.S. The proposed tariffs would remain in place until Trump believes both issues are sufficiently addressed. Specifically, Trump called for Mexico to stop the flow of migrants and drug trafficking to the U.S., while pressuring China to crack down on the smuggling of fentanyl. The threat of a trade war has sent shockwaves through North American economies, with Mexico vowing retaliation if these tariffs are imposed.
Sheinbaum wasted no time in responding to Trump’s tariff threat. At a press conference on Wednesday, she asserted that Mexico would increase its own tariffs in retaliation if the U.S. followed through with the punitive measures. Mexico’s Economy Minister, Marcelo Ebrard, also joined the condemnation, calling Trump’s tariff plan a “shot in the foot” and warning that it would violate the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a trade deal Trump negotiated in 2018. Both Sheinbaum and Ebrard emphasized the need for regional cooperation and diplomacy to avoid the economic and political fallout from a potential trade war.
Canada Faces Growing Concern Over Trump’s Proposed Tariffs
While Mexico faces the brunt of Trump’s tariff threats, Canada is also grappling with the possibility of significant economic consequences. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau convened an emergency meeting with provincial premiers to formulate a strategy in response to Trump’s aggressive trade posture. After the meeting, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland confirmed that Canada would present a united front on the issue. However, within Canada, political divisions have surfaced, with some provincial leaders questioning whether Trudeau is the best representative to negotiate with Trump, given the personal animosity between the two leaders.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith voiced concerns about Trudeau’s effectiveness in handling the sensitive negotiations, suggesting that the federal government may need to rethink its approach to dealing with the incoming U.S. administration. Despite these concerns, Canada’s resolve to defend its economic interests remains strong, with the federal government committed to seeking a resolution that avoids damaging trade relations with its southern neighbor.
U.S. Migration Crisis Looms Over Trump’s Presidency
As Trump prepares to take office in January, he will inherit a complex situation at the U.S.-Mexico border, where migration issues have become a central focus of U.S. politics. Trump’s campaign rhetoric revolved around sealing the border and ending illegal immigration, a promise that resonated with many Americans in the wake of an unprecedented influx of undocumented migrants. The situation has become politically toxic for President Joe Biden, who has faced significant pressure to address the issue ahead of the 2024 election. Biden’s administration responded by implementing stricter immigration policies, which have resulted in a sharp decline in illegal crossings.
Meanwhile, Mexico has been carrying out its largest-ever migrant crackdown, under U.S. diplomatic pressure, by transporting non-Mexican migrants to its southern regions far from the U.S. border. This strategy has proven effective in reducing the number of migrants reaching the northern border, but it has also been criticized for its humanitarian impact.
Migrants, often exhausted and depleted of resources, have found themselves trapped in Mexico, unable to continue their journey. Many have even voluntarily chosen to return to their home countries, signaling the emotional and physical toll of these harsh measures. As Trump prepares to take office, the U.S. will find itself in a markedly different position, with fewer undocumented migrants being apprehended at the border than at any point in the last four years.
