Staff Reports
President-elect Donald Trump’s recent announcement about Mexico’s supposed agreement to halt migration through its territory and into the United States has generated a mix of optimism and skepticism. While Trump heralded this development as a major win for border security, the reality is that Mexico has already implemented policies that dramatically reduced illegal crossings by about 75%. It seems like Trump is taking credit for changes that were already well underway, much like claiming victory in a game that had already been decided.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum didn’t shy away from clarifying the misunderstandings around Trump’s declaration. In her online statements, Sheinbaum highlighted that Mexico has been actively managing migration and keeping caravans at bay. Far from the wall-building days of the Trump presidency, Sheinbaum emphasized that Mexico’s approach was about creating constructive solutions and partnerships rather than literal border barricades. Her intention was clear: articulate that Mexico’s position is about cooperation and respect for human rights, not shutting down borders like a fortress.
Much of the shift in migrant flow can be attributed to the increased enforcement measures taken by Mexico over the past year—mostly in response to the Biden administration’s diplomatic pressure. They ramped up efforts to not only stop migrants before they reach the U.S. but to also round them up, bus them to secure areas deep within Mexico, and essentially escort them away from the border. This dramatic uptick in enforcement has seemingly been an effective strategy, reducing encounters at the border by as much as 50%—a number that would make any border security hawk raise an eyebrow in approval.
Interestingly, these measures have not come without their share of controversies. Reports indicate that many migrants feel trapped and vulnerable, with claims of mistreatment by local authorities who are tasked with enforcing these new strategies. It’s a complicated situation, where the focus on prevention feels more like a game of whack-a-mole than a comprehensive solution—more migrant busts mean more people left stranded and potentially abused in Mexico.
As tensions around migration persist, Trump remains adamantly vocal about leveraging economic pressure. His proposed 25% tariff on goods from Mexico serves not only as a means to compel action on the migrant issue but also as a reminder of the serious consequences of inaction. Trump’s position is unequivocal: either take control of the border crisis, or suffer financially. In what can only be described as a classic Trumpian strategy, he makes it clear that failure to act will strip financial gains from Mexico, making it a coin-flip between jobs and sovereignty. It’s a bold strategy that reflects the no-nonsense approach Trump is known for, thrusting this important issue into the spotlight even before he officially steps into office.
