Trump and Sheinbaum share divergent accounts of migration talks

President-elect Donald Trump recently made bold claims about a conversation with Mexico’s leader, suggesting that Mexico had agreed to "stop" migration. His remarks, made on social media, implied that Mexico had promised to close its southern border to prevent people from entering the United States.

“Mexico will stop people from going to our Southern Border, effective immediately,” Trump wrote on Wednesday. He celebrated this as a win in his fight against what he called an "illegal invasion," a problem he pledged to tackle when he assumes office in January.

However, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum quickly responded, denying Trump's claims. She made it clear that Mexico had no plans to close its border.

"Mexico's position is not to close borders, but to build bridges between governments and communities,” Sheinbaum stated on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

Sheinbaum also shared a photo of herself smiling during a phone call with Trump, offering a brief overview of the conversation. She explained that they discussed Mexico's strategy for handling migration. She noted that migrant caravans are no longer arriving at Mexico’s northern border because Mexico is taking care of them further south.

The two leaders also touched on other issues, including security cooperation and Mexico's ongoing campaign to stop the use of fentanyl, a dangerous drug that has been a major concern for both countries.

Trump’s social media post about the migration talks followed another post on Monday, where he discussed his plans to impose tariffs on imports from several countries. He proposed a 25% tariff on goods coming from Mexico and Canada, as well as a 10% tariff on products from China.

“This tariff will remain in effect until such time as drugs, particularly fentanyl, and all illegal aliens stop this invasion of our country!” Trump wrote.

The topic of illegal migration was central to Trump’s election campaign. He has promised to declare a national emergency on border security once he takes office. He plans to use the U.S. military to help deport undocumented migrants.

Mexico, however, is concerned about the impact of Trump’s proposed tariffs. Mexican Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard warned that if Trump goes ahead with the tariffs, it could result in a loss of 400,000 jobs in the U.S. He referred to a study from U.S. car manufacturers who produce vehicles in Mexico.

Ebrard also pointed out that U.S. consumers would feel the effects of the tariffs, especially in the pickup truck market. Most pickup trucks in the U.S. are made in Mexico, and the tariffs could add an extra $3,000 to the cost of a new truck.

"This would mainly hurt U.S. consumers," Ebrard said. "That’s why we say it would be a shot in the foot."

In response, Sheinbaum echoed concerns about the potential harm the tariffs could do to both countries. While the U.S. government might aim to stop migration and reduce illegal drug trade, Mexico’s focus is on cooperation and solutions that benefit both sides, rather than imposing stricter border controls.

As of now, the two countries are working to find common ground. But Mexico’s leader emphasized that her government is focused on solutions that do not involve closing borders or halting migration altogether.

While the debate over border security and trade tariffs continues, it’s clear that the path forward will involve much discussion between the U.S. and Mexico. Both leaders have expressed their desire to work together, but with differing views on how best to handle the challenges ahead.