Staff Reports
In a bold move that would make any reasonable American applaud, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo decided to act after President-elect Donald Trump put the pressure on her to keep illegal immigrants in check. Just days after Trump laid down an ultimatum, two caravans overflowing with those hoping to crash the U.S. border found themselves abruptly disbanded by Mexican authorities. It seems that for once, a neighboring country took the hint and realized that they have a role to play in the ongoing border debacle.
The Associated Press reported that activist Luis García Villagrán, a supporter of the caravans, lamented the situation, implying some sort of grand betrayal. According to him, the calamity of the caravans breaking up resulted from a secretive “agreement” between the U.S. and Mexico, clearly demonstrating that the left’s favorite narrative of uncooperative foreign leaders doesn’t always pan out. One of the caravans, which had gathered around 2,500 hopefuls, set off from Guatemala’s southern border, only to be met with a stern “not on my watch” down in Oaxaca.
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Trump’s recent comments ramped up the stakes. His threats of massive tariffs if Mexico failed to curtail the illegal invasion seemed to hit home faster than a burrito after a long night of revelry. Sure enough, just a week later, Sheinbaum announced a change of heart—or perhaps a change of tactics—suggesting that it really pays to hold a firm stance when it comes to border control. Twitter exploded with excitement as Trump declared that Mexico would be actively working to close off the southern border to those seeking to make the U.S. their new home without so much as a how-do-you-do.
On the substance of his talks with Sheinbaum, it was noted that they didn’t just discuss immigration; they also tackled the thorny issue of drugs flooding the U.S. market. Trump’s insistence that Mexico bolster efforts to quell not only illegal immigration but also the drug trade shows a president ready to take the fight to the root of several societal ills. If that doesn’t scream leadership, then nothing does.
In a twist that even Hollywood couldn’t write, Mexican citizens themselves are starting to echo sentiments in line with Trump’s views. Reports surfaced of locals, wary of the influx of illegal immigrants transiting through their country, supporting the president-elect’s tough stance. Some even associated these newcomers with crime, referring to them as modern-day brigands intent on pillaging. A 71-year-old man from Mexico City went so far as to say that those seeking asylum should not include criminals who are merely using the guise of refugee status to engage in illegal activities.
In a nutshell, this development paints a picture of hope for those who believe in strong borders. Sheinbaum’s about-face could indicate that Mexico is finally acknowledging that cooperation, fueled by the fear of tariffs, may be the right way forward. As other countries whine about sovereignty and autonomy, Mexico seems to be realizing that it can no longer afford to ignore the ripple effects of its immigration policy. What remains to be seen is whether this new cooperation can hold up amidst the liberal cries of “human rights.” For now, though, it is undeniably a step forward in restoring order in an era characterized by chaos at the border.
