First Troops Arrive as Mexico Seeks to Avoid Tariffs
Ciudad Juárez, Mexico (AP)– A convoy of Mexican National Guard and military trucks rolled along the border between Ciudad Juárez and El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday, transporting the first wave of 10,000 troops deployed to Mexico’s northern border. The move follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose tariffs unless Mexico tightens border security.
Armed and masked National Guard members patrolled wooded areas along the border fence, removing makeshift ladders and ropes used by migrants. Similar patrols were observed in Tijuana and other border locations.
Mexico Responds to U.S. Pressure
The deployment comes after a tense week, during which Trump announced a one-month delay in implementing tariffs on Mexican imports. In exchange, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum pledged to strengthen border security and curb fentanyl smuggling.
Although illegal border crossings and fentanyl overdoses in the U.S. have declined over the past year, Trump declared a state of emergency at the border, citing ongoing security concerns. In response, the Biden administration also pledged to intensify efforts to curb the flow of U.S.-sourced firearms into Mexico, which fuel cartel violence.
Troops Arrive in Key Border Cities
On Tuesday, the first troops landed in border cities via government aircraft. Speaking to reporters, National Guard official José Luis Santos Iza confirmed their mission.
“There will be constant surveillance at the border,” Iza stated. “This operation primarily aims to prevent drug trafficking from Mexico into the United States, especially fentanyl.”
According to government data, Ciudad Juárez will receive approximately 1,650 troops, making it one of the largest deployment sites after Tijuana, where 1,949 troops are expected.
Diplomatic Reactions and Political Strategy
During his recent Latin America tour, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged Mexico’s efforts in a statement released by the Mexican government. Observers see Sheinbaum’s handling of negotiations as a strategic political move, solidifying her ability to manage U.S.-Mexico relations effectively.
Her diplomatic approach contrasts with initial skepticism over whether she could handle Trump’s presidency as adeptly as her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
