CubaHeadlines

Mexico Stations 10,000 Troops at Border; Trump Delays Tariff Imposition for a Month

Monday, February 3, 2025 by Amelia Soto

Mexico Stations 10,000 Troops at Border; Trump Delays Tariff Imposition for a Month
National Guard of Mexico - Image of © Flickr / Gobierno Cholula

In response to mounting migration pressures and threats of trade sanctions, Mexico has stationed 10,000 military personnel at its border with the United States. This move follows a conversation between Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum and U.S. President Donald Trump, who declared a one-month delay on imposing new tariffs on Mexican goods.

Trump shared news of the agreement via Truth Social, labeling the discussion with Sheinbaum as "very friendly." According to Trump, President Sheinbaum agreed to an immediate deployment of 10,000 troops along the U.S. border, tasked specifically with "halting the inflow of fentanyl and illegal immigrants" into the United States.

Additionally, Trump announced both countries have agreed to a one-month suspension of tariffs, allowing time for negotiations led by his foreign policy team and senior Mexican representatives. "I look forward to being part of these negotiations with President Sheinbaum as we strive for a 'deal' between our two nations," the Republican leader added.

President Sheinbaum confirmed the conversation on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting that the dialogue was conducted with "great respect for our relationship and sovereignty." She outlined the agreements reached with Trump:

Mexico will immediately bolster its northern border with 10,000 National Guard members to curb drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl. The United States commits to efforts to prevent the flow of high-powered firearms into Mexico. Both governments will initiate negotiations on two fronts: security and trade. Tariffs will be paused for one month starting from the agreement's date.

The military deployment involves personnel from the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena), the National Guard, and the Secretariat of the Navy (Semar), who will enhance surveillance operations at border crossings and migration routes. According to official sources, the aim is to reduce the irregular entry of migrants into the United States and curb the trafficking of people and illicit goods.

Trump Targets Canada Amid Border Strategy

Beyond his conversation with Sheinbaum, Trump also targeted Canada and its Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau. On Truth Social, he criticized Canada's economic policies, claiming, "Canada doesn't even allow U.S. banks to open or do business there." However, he emphasized that his primary focus remains on drug trafficking:

"Many things like this, but it's also a WAR ON DRUGS, and hundreds of thousands have died in the U.S. from drugs flooding in from Mexico and Canada. Just spoke with Justin Trudeau. I'll be speaking with him again at 3:00 p.m.," Trump posted.

The president has consistently emphasized that combating the trafficking of fentanyl and other illegal substances is a top priority in his political agenda, asserting that both Mexico and Canada must tighten their border controls to decrease the flow of drugs into the United States.

Key Questions on US-Mexico Border Security

What is the primary purpose of Mexico's troop deployment at the U.S. border?

The main goal of deploying 10,000 troops is to curb the flow of fentanyl and illegal immigrants into the United States.

How long are the new tariffs on Mexican goods delayed?

The imposition of new tariffs has been postponed for one month to allow for negotiations.

What are the focal points of the US-Mexico negotiations?

The negotiations will focus on enhancing security measures and addressing trade issues between the two countries.

© CubaHeadlines 2025