Mexico deploys 10,000 soldiers at the border, and Trump halts tariffs for a month

Mexico deploys 10,000 soldiers to the border to contain migration and avoid tariffs from the U.S. Trump offers a month-long truce following a conversation with President Claudia Sheinbaum.

National Guard of MexicoPhoto © Flickr / Gobierno Cholula

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In response to the migratory pressure and the threats of trade sanctions, the government of Mexico has deployed 10,000 members of the armed forces to its border with the United States.

This decision comes after a conversation between President Claudia Sheinbaum and the President of the United States, Donald Trump, who announced the suspension of new tariffs on Mexican products for one month.

From the social network Truth Social, Trump announced the agreement reached with Sheinbaum and described the conversation as "very friendly." According to the president, the president of Mexico agreed to immediately deploy 10,000 soldiers to the border with the United States, who will be specifically designated to "stop the flow of fentanyl and illegal immigrants" into the northern country.

Screenshot of Truth Social/Donald J. Trump

Furthermore, Trump announced that both governments agreed to pause the imposition of tariffs for one month, during which negotiations will be led by his foreign policy team and high-level representatives from Mexico. "I look forward to participating in those negotiations with President Sheinbaum as we try to reach an 'agreement' between our two countries", added the Republican.

For her part, President Sheinbaum confirmed the conversation via X (formerly Twitter) and emphasized that the dialogue took place with "great respect for our relationship and sovereignty." In her message, she detailed the agreements reached with Trump:

  1. Mexico will immediately reinforce the northern border with 10,000 National Guard personnel to prevent drug trafficking, particularly of fentanyl.
  2. The United States is committed to working to prevent the trafficking of high-powered weapons to Mexico.
  3. Both governments will immediately begin negotiations on two fronts: security and trade.
  4. The tariffs are on hold for one month starting from the agreement.

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

Trump targets Canada amid his border strategy

In addition to his conversation with Sheinbaum, Trump also directed criticism towards Canada and its Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau. Through Truth Social, he pointed out that "Canada doesn't even allow American banks to open or do business there", questioning the economic policies of the neighboring country. However, he emphasized that his main concern remains drug trafficking:

"Many things like this, but it is also a WAR ON DRUGS, and hundreds of thousands of people have died in the U.S. due to the drugs that flood in through the borders of Mexico and Canada. I just spoke with Justin Trudeau. I will speak with him again at 3:00 p.m.", Trump posted.

Capture of Truth Social/Donald J. Trump

The president has insisted that the fight against the trafficking of fentanyl and other illegal substances is a priority on his political agenda, arguing that both Mexico and Canada must strengthen their border controls to reduce the flow of drugs into the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Military Deployment on the Mexico-U.S. Border

Why has Mexico deployed 10,000 soldiers to the border with the United States?

Mexico has deployed 10,000 soldiers to the border with the United States in response to migratory pressure and threats of trade sanctions from the government of Donald Trump. The measure aims to reduce the irregular entry of migrants into the United States and curb the trafficking of people and illegal goods.

What impact does the military deployment have on trade relations between Mexico and the United States?

The military deployment by Mexico has been a factor for Donald Trump to decide to suspend the imposition of new tariffs on Mexican products for one month. However, trade tensions continue, with Trump threatening new tariffs if migration containment measures are not intensified. Trade relations between both countries could be affected if an agreement is not reached on migration and border security issues.

What additional measures has the United States taken at the border with Mexico?

The United States has deployed up to 1,500 additional active troops to the border with Mexico as part of a series of security measures ordered by Donald Trump to curb illegal immigration and transnational crime. This deployment adds to the 2,500 National Guard personnel already present in the area, and strengthens border patrol operations.

What consequences could a trade war between Mexico and the United States have?

A trade war between Mexico and the United States could destabilize trade relations and increase costs for consumers in both countries. Mexico has indicated that a rise in tariffs could cost Americans more than $20 billion, impacting products ranging from technology to food and vehicles. Trade tensions could complicate negotiations within the Treaty between Mexico, the United States, and Canada (T-MEC), affecting North America's economic stability.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.