Trump Threatens to Double Mexico Tariffs Over Migrant Caravans

Washington: US President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened to double tariffs on Mexico unless the Mexican government prevents migrant caravans from reaching the US border. While Mexico has regularly intervened to block migrant groups traveling from Central America since September, at least two additional groups have attempted the journey in recent days.

“Here we go again! With the perceived loss by the Republicans in the Midterms… the INVASION of our Country is taking place again,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “They will not be accepted! MEXICO MUST STOP THEM, NOW, and if they do not do so, the Tariffs on Mexico will be IMMEDIATELY DOUBLED.”

Members of the caravans—one consisting of about 1,000 people and another of around 100—told AFP they hoped the recent midterm election defeat of Trump’s Republicans would lead to less stringent US border restrictions. However, Democrats swept both chambers of Congress and secured the governorship of Texas for the first time in over three decades.

Mexican security personnel intervened against the group of 100 people on Tuesday after they crossed the river separating Mexico from Guatemala, reportedly detaining dozens. Two days prior, the group of 1,000 entered Mexico without resistance and, as of Thursday, were traversing Mexico’s southern state of Chiapas, which borders Guatemala. Another caravan is anticipated to depart from Honduras on Sunday.

Mexico remains Washington’s top trading partner, and the two nations are currently renegotiating their free trade agreement. While a large portion of goods imported from Mexico is tariff-free, steel and aluminum face duties ranging from 25 to 50 percent.

During Trump’s first term and the Biden administration, such caravans were a frequent occurrence. Since Trump’s return to office in January 2025 under a hard-line anti-immigration agenda, illegal border crossings have significantly decreased. Trump has intensified pressure on Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to bolster her country’s efforts to block migrants from reaching the border.

“There will be no leniency!” Trump warned.

Sheinbaum stated Thursday that since Trump’s return to the White House in January 2025, no migrant caravan has reached the US border. She cautioned that some individuals mislead migrants by claiming that US election results have changed immigration policy, which she asserted is untrue.

“We’re telling the people in the caravan that entering the United States is extremely difficult, and that if their goal is to reach the United States, they will not be able to do so,” Sheinbaum added. “We are looking for ways to ensure they return to their home countries safely or, if someone wishes to remain in Mexico under specific conditions and in a designated location, that is also an option.”

In related actions, the US State Department has revoked visas, or the right to apply for visas, from more than 15 individuals believed to be organizing migrant caravans.

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