Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has urgently called for "cool heads" as U.S. President Donald Trump announced severe new restrictions on migration and trade, underlining tensions at the U.S.-Mexico border.
During her regular morning conference, Sheinbaum responded to Trump’s newly stated policy changes shortly after he took office again. Trump vowed to deport "millions and millions" of migrants and reiterated threats of large tariffs on Mexican imports. "It's important to always keep a cool head and refer to signed agreements, beyond actual speeches," she emphasized, reflecting the Mexican government's composed approach amid the brewing crisis.
Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, claiming it was necessary to address the "disastrous invasion" of illegal immigration. His administration plans to reinstate the controversial "Remain in Mexico" policy from his previous presidency, which requires individuals applying to enter the U.S. to stay in Mexico until their application is processed. This decision leaves many migrants stranded on the Mexican side of the border, exacerbated by the suspension of humanitarian asylum programs for those fleeing violence and oppression.
Sheinbaum noted her government was making preparations to repatriate migrants expelled by the U.S. and promised to provide humanitarian assistance during this process. "If migrants cannot enter the United States, it is much more beneficial for them to return to their country of origin," she stated, highlighting Mexico's willingness to support individuals affected by the policy shifts.
Local officials have raised alarms about the humanitarian toll of these new measures. Carlos Pena, the mayor of Reynosa, highlighted the dire situation, stating, "There is not enough space and the situation could become 'critical.'" Meanwhile, shelters for migrants continue to struggle under the pressure of increasing demand, especially in cities such as Ciudad Juarez and Tijuana.
Sheinbaum, aligning her response with both pragmatism and firmness, pushed back against what she termed Trump's recycled threats. "This already happened — it's not something new," she remarked, referring to earlier declarations during Trump's first term aimed at border fortification.
Despite the looming threat of tariffs on Mexican imports—set to take effect on February 1—Sheinbaum expressed cautious optimism. She indicated the possibility of modifying trade agreements has been on the agenda since 2026, long before Trump's recent threats.
Emphasizing national pride, Sheinbaum urged for unity among Mexican nationals abroad and stated, "May they know the president of the republic will always defend Mexico, above all else," passionately defending the actions and rights of Mexicans impacted by U.S. policies.
While the Trump administration continues to grapple with illegal immigration, the responses from the Mexican government signal its commitments to humanitarian principles. The heightened tensions at the border require careful navigation, and both presidents' strategies highlight contrasting approaches to governance and diplomacy.
With this rapidly developing situation, local officials and humanitarian groups are preparing for what could be one of the most tumultuous periods for migrants at the border as the implementation of new policies begins to take shape. The stakes are high for those caught between nations seeking different solutions to the same complex issues.