U.S. President-elect Donald Trump announced Wednesday that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo has agreed to take immediate steps to prevent migration into the United States via Mexico, following discussions sparked by Trump’s recent tariff threats.
“Just had a wonderful conversation with the new President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo. She has agreed to stop migration through Mexico, effectively closing our Southern Border,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. He characterized the dialogue as “productive,” noting they also addressed measures to combat drug trafficking and U.S. drug consumption.
Trump doubled down on his statement, adding, “Mexico will stop people from going to our Southern Border, effective immediately. THIS WILL GO A LONG WAY TOWARD STOPPING THE ILLEGAL INVASION OF THE USA. Thank you!!!”
Earlier this week, Trump threatened a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China, citing their alleged roles in the U.S. fentanyl crisis and unchecked migration. He has pledged to enact the tariffs through executive orders on his first day in office, January 20.
In response, President Sheinbaum confirmed the conversation but maintained that Mexico’s migration policies prioritize humanitarian efforts and regional cooperation.
“Thanks to this, migrants and caravans are assisted before they reach the border. We reiterate that Mexico’s position is not to close borders but to build bridges between governments and between peoples,” she stated on her official X (formerly Twitter) account.
The exchange underscores the complex diplomatic challenges surrounding migration and drug trafficking, as well as the contrasting narratives between the two leaders.
