Following President Donald Trump’s decisive victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum was among the first world leaders to extend congratulations.
The Associated Press reported on a pivotal phone call between the two leaders, during which Trump emphasized the pressing issues at the U.S.-Mexico border.
During the call, President Trump raised concerns about the open border policies of the Biden administration and highlighted the need for stronger enforcement measures.
In response, President Sheinbaum acknowledged the challenges and suggested potential shifts in Mexico’s approach to immigration enforcement.
Days later, Sheinbaum indicated that her administration is prepared to explore significant policy changes in alignment with the anticipated priorities of the Trump administration.
Observers speculate that Mexico may intensify its immigration enforcement efforts and collaborate more closely with U.S. authorities at the border to address the ongoing crisis.
President Sheinbaum later elaborated on the conversation, offering a nuanced perspective on Mexico’s approach to migration. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she emphasized Mexico’s commitment to respecting human rights while managing migration.
“In our conversation with President Trump, I explained to him the comprehensive strategy that Mexico has followed to address the migration phenomenon, respecting human rights,” Sheinbaum wrote in Spanish. “Thanks to this, migrants and caravans are assisted before they reach the border.”
Sheinbaum also reiterated Mexico’s stance on fostering cooperation rather than isolation. “We reiterate that Mexico’s position is not to close borders but to build bridges between governments and between peoples,” she added.
Despite this, Sheinbaum’s administration faced immediate pressure from Trump’s assertive stance. A week after their discussion, Mexico disbanded two migrant caravans heading toward the U.S. border, reportedly in response to Trump’s threat of tariffs on the Mexican economy.
President-elect Trump has vowed to prioritize border security on his first day back in office, marking a stark departure from the policies of the Biden administration.
Under Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, dubbed the “border czar,” was widely criticized for failing to curb the influx of illegal migrants. Trump’s approach promises a return to stricter enforcement and deportation measures.
In anticipation of Trump’s presidency, President Sheinbaum announced that Mexico is ready to accommodate its nationals who may be deported from the U.S. under Trump’s immigration policies.
According to a statement from Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Ministry reported by Bloomberg, the Sheinbaum administration is prepared to work with federal, state, and local authorities to address potential mass deportations.
However, Mexico has made it clear that it will not serve as a “safe third country” for migrants of other nationalities.
The Trump transition team has reportedly engaged with the governments of Mexico and El Salvador through informal channels to discuss the repatriation of undocumented migrants.
Sources indicate these discussions involve detailed plans for managing the deportation process, including conversations with business leaders and government representatives from both nations.