Mexico is not taking President Donald Trump’s tariff threats lightly. Reportedly, a line of Mexican National Guard and Army trucks were sent to the border separating Ciudad Juárez and El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday, among the first of 10,000 troops Mexico has sent to its northern frontier following tariff threats by Trump.
“There will be permanent surveillance on the border,” José Luis Santos Iza, one of the National Guard leaders heading off the deployment in the city, told media upon the arrival of the first set of soldiers. “This operation is primarily to prevent drug trafficking from Mexico to the United States, mainly fentanyl.”
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In early 2025, President Donald Trump introduced new tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China, primarily aimed at addressing illegal immigration and the flow of fentanyl into the United States. These tariffs included a 25% rate for goods from Mexico and Canada, with a 10% tariff on Chinese imports. The announcement initially set the tariffs to take effect on February 4, 2025.
However, following negotiations, both Mexico and Canada agreed to enhance border enforcement, which led to a delay in the tariffs for these two countries for one month. Despite this, the tariff on Chinese imports remained in place. The move was seen as part of Trump’s broader strategy to use tariffs as leverage in trade and border security discussions.
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This decision raised concerns about economic repercussions, including potential price increases for consumers and disruptions in supply chains. It also added to the already tense relationship between the U.S. and its trading partners, especially Mexico. As discussions continue, the outcome of these tariff policies will have significant effects on the economies of the U.S., Mexico, Canada, and China. The situation remains fluid with ongoing negotiations and adjustments to the initial plans.
Reportedly, according to government figures at least 1,650 troops were expected to be sent to Ciudad Juárez.