President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government is considering changing certain policies in reaction to the anticipated obstacles provided by President-elect Trump’s return to power, with the goal of protecting Mexico’s economic interests and properly managing immigration.
Fearing that measures implemented by the incoming Trump administration will be detrimental to Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum and other officials have indicated a commitment to maintaining a strong bilateral relationship while highlighting Mexico’s sovereignty. At a recent press conference, she assured Mexicans that there is “no reason for concern” about the election results, expressing confidence in the stability of bilateral relations. “We will work with dialogue and respect for our sovereignties,” she informed us.
Rodrigo Montes de Oca, a scholar at the Baker Institute Center for the United States and Mexico, told AWN Digital that “the bilateral relationship will no longer be reduced to a single issue but will be addressed in a broader manner.” He stated that “former President López Obrador – AMLO – was very skilled in focusing the entire bilateral relationship on a single issue: immigration.”
He went on to say, “If AMLO cooperated on immigration, the Biden administration would turn a blind eye to critical matters like security and fentanyl trafficking, as well as all of Mexico’s antidemocratic practices. With the incoming Trump administration, everything will become much more complex, since they will focus not only on immigration but also on trade and security. That is why, throughout the campaign, Trump stated that if Mexico did not cooperate on these matters, he would release the US government’s intelligence material on Mexican leaders linked to drug gangs. The relationship will be explored more comprehensively. I don’t see the Mexican government prepared for this.”
With Trump’s intentions for mass deportations and tighter immigration controls, Mexico is anticipated to tighten its immigration regulations. To properly manage migration flows, it may need to boost enforcement at its southern border and work more closely with US authorities. Such policies seek to meet US concerns while maintaining Mexico’s sovereignty and humanitarian commitments.
President Claudia Sheinbaum has maintained Mexico’s current tactics for managing and discouraging migrant caravans heading toward the United States. These steps include deploying the National Guard and other security forces to intercept and disperse migrant groups along the southern border. This strategy seeks to prevent huge caravans from forming and moving northward.
The Mexican government has chartered flights to return migrants to their home countries, in an effort to minimize the number of people attempting to traverse Mexico on their way to the United States. Mexico continues to collaborate closely with US authorities to regulate migration patterns, including admitting certain deported migrants and enacting regulations to curb the influx of people wanting to enter the US.
President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on Mexican exports, particularly in the automobile sector, have spurred Mexico to explore similar measures. Mexico’s Economy Minister, Marcelo Ebrard, stated that if such duties are imposed by the United States, Mexico may apply its own taxes on US imports, highlighting the potential economic consequences for both countries.
Montes de Oca said to AWN Digital: “Mexico needs to prepare a comprehensive plan to address the current violence in the country; otherwise, it may face economic repercussions that could affect the renegotiation of the USMCA trade deal in 2026.” In reaction to Trump’s earlier threats of military action against drug cartels, Mexico may strengthen its security procedures to reduce the likelihood of unilateral US participation, which the Mexican government fears.
The leader of the Mexican Senate, Gerardo Fernández Nor this: “Donald Trump is a difficult guy, but he does not eat fire, he knows very well the importance of the relationship with our country, he knows very well the importance of the Mexican community in the United States and that he had very important support from Mexicans during the election.” He went on to say, “Claudia Sheinbaum has the ability, firmness, character, preparation and the popular support to get along with him correctly.”
Congressman Raúl Torres, House Representative of Mexicans Abroad, told AWN Digital that Claudia Sheinbaum’s government should tighten border security by deploying the National Guard and boosting the National Migration Institute. Similarly, she must adjust the narrative and negotiate in a fresh way with the United States in light of the approaching USMCA trade agreement negotiations. She must prioritize an economic strategy to strengthen Mexicans in the United States, whose influence is growing by the day as more of them start businesses, create jobs, and vote for Donald Trump.”
Experts believe it is still too early to tell how much Sheinbaum’s government will be willing to change certain attitudes and policies to boost the relationship with the United States. Her main focus has been on security, as her predecessor sought to shield criminal gangs rather than confront them. She promised consistency in all areas, and security policy may be the most contentious issue with the next Trump administration.
