Mexico's head of state discusses migration policy with Trump

Following Donald Trump's announcement of high import tariffs on Mexican goods, the US president-elect and Mexico's head of state Claudia Sheinbaum discussed migration policy at their shared border.

Sheinbaum reported on X of an "excellent conversation" without going into detail. Trump claimed on the Truth Social platform, which he co-founded, that Sheinbaum had promised to stop migration across the Mexican border.

"Mexico will stop people from coming to our southern border effective immediately. This will significantly curb the illegal invasion of the USA," explained Trump. Sheinbaum, in turn, reported that she had emphasized in the conversation that no migrant caravans were currently reaching the US border, as this was already being dealt with in Mexico. The country has been using its National Guard for years to stop migrants on their way to the USA.

Trump wants to impose high tariffs because of the immigrants

Despite the obstacles and dangers, tens of thousands of people from South American countries attempt to flee poverty, violence and political crises across the Mexican border to the USA every year. Hundreds die every year on the dangerous route north, for example from lack of water and heatstroke. Others become victims of criminal gangs.

During the US election campaign, Trump portrayed immigrants as dangerous criminals. At the beginning of the week, he announced that he would impose import tariffs of 25% on all goods from Mexico on his first day in office, January 20, arguing that immigrants would also bring crime and drugs from Mexico into the USA. Sheinbaum questioned the sense of these tariffs and hinted that Mexico could also impose tariffs.