Just hours after President Trump announced tariffs on Mexican imports because of Mexico’s lack of help in stopping illegal immigration, Jesus Seade, Mexico’s deputy foreign minister for North America said his country would work to enforce its immigration laws. It appears Trump’s threat may have had some effect in getting Mexico’s attention in addressing the border crisis.
Seade stated, “To avoid these flows that go from Central America to the United States in large numbers I think we can make progress with traditional mechanisms and better exercise existing rules.” He declined to give further details of what more Mexico could do to stem immigration, citing the negotiations in Washington.
However, Seade said Mexico is NOT working on a “safe 3rd country” classification where asylum seekers could lodge claims instead coming into the U.S. This safe 3rd country is what is desperately needed to stop waves of as Central Americans claiming asylum.
On Thursday, May 30, Trump said he would introduce the tariffs starting on June 10 at 5% and raise them higher if Mexico did not substantially halt illegal immigration.