Mexico’s president denies Trump’s claim that she agreed to shut down the US-Mexico border
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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has denied U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s claim that she agreed to shut down the U.S.-Mexico border as part of a plan to curb illegal immigration. The president-elect posted on Truth Social that their conversation had resulted in a deal where Mexico would stop migration through the country, effectively closing the southern U.S. border. However, Sheinbaum refuted these claims, saying such a proposal was never discussed.
During a regular morning news conference on Thursday, Sheinbaum firmly rejected Trump’s assertion. “We would never propose closing the border,” she said. “It has never been our approach, and of course, we don’t agree with that.” She emphasized that Mexico’s immigration policy is rooted in respecting human rights and not in closing borders. She also explained that Mexico has been actively addressing migration issues through a comprehensive strategy that assists migrants before they reach the U.S. border, focusing on cooperation rather than isolation.
Trump had previously touted the conversation as a success, stating that Sheinbaum had agreed to stop the flow of migrants into the U.S. He also mentioned discussions about curbing drug flows, particularly fentanyl, into the United States. However, Sheinbaum’s response presented a stark contrast. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), she reiterated Mexico’s position of promoting collaboration between governments and peoples, not severing ties by closing borders. She pointed out that over the past year, Mexico had made significant strides in reducing U.S. border crossings by 75% in cooperation with the Biden administration.
Sheinbaum’s remarks indicate a misalignment between Trump’s rhetoric and Mexico’s stance on the issue. Trump’s recent announcement that, upon taking office, he would impose a 25% tariff on products from Mexico and Canada in retaliation for illegal immigration and drug trafficking has raised concerns in Mexico. The U.S. president-elect’s tariff threat could significantly impact the economies of both countries. In response to Trump’s social media post, Sheinbaum issued a fiery letter warning that Mexico could retaliate with counter-tariffs if the proposed measures were implemented.
Trump’s aggressive approach to immigration and trade has become a key issue in his campaign. He has repeatedly promised to tackle illegal immigration and to end the influx of undocumented migrants entering the U.S. during his administration. His plan to reinstate the controversial “Remain in Mexico” policy, which requires migrants to stay in Mexico while awaiting their immigration hearings in the U.S., is among the potential actions he is considering.
This rhetoric and policy proposal have led to a heated exchange between Sheinbaum and Trump. The Mexican president has made it clear that Mexico’s approach to immigration is comprehensive and grounded in collaboration with other nations, including the U.S. Sheinbaum did not outline any specific new policies during her statements, instead focusing on the existing strategies already in place, such as humanitarian assistance for migrants and strong diplomatic relations with the U.S.
The sharp contrast between the two leaders’ positions highlights the challenges of addressing migration and border security in a cooperative manner. While Trump seeks to use tariffs and border closures as a means of pressuring Mexico, Sheinbaum remains committed to a diplomatic approach that focuses on regional cooperation and addressing the root causes of migration, such as poverty and violence.
This disagreement over border security comes just days after Trump’s announcement of a tariff plan set to take effect on his first day in office. His transition team has not yet clarified whether these tariffs will proceed as planned, nor did Sheinbaum suggest that Trump had backed down from his stance. U.S. President Joe Biden, who has been critical of Trump’s foreign policy approach, called the proposed tariffs “counterproductive” and urged the president-elect to reconsider. Biden emphasized the importance of maintaining strong relationships with key neighbors, warning against disrupting the trade ties that are vital to the U.S. economy.
As the political situation continues to unfold, both Trump and Sheinbaum will need to navigate these contentious issues carefully. The coming weeks will be crucial as both leaders work to define their strategies for managing migration, trade, and diplomatic relations with neighboring countries. The Neutra family, whose son Omer is one of the hostages held by Hamas, has similarly called for collaboration between leaders, hoping for productive negotiations and resolution.
In the meantime, Mexico’s position remains firm. Sheinbaum’s leadership emphasizes cooperation over confrontation, aiming to find solutions that respect the rights of migrants while working closely with the U.S. and other regional allies. The broader debate over tariffs and border security will continue to shape U.S.-Mexico relations as both countries navigate these complex challenges.
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