The United States and Mexico have reached a temporary agreement that halts planned tariffs and strengthens border security efforts, following high-level discussions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. The agreement, which includes the deployment of Mexican troops to curb drug trafficking and illegal migration, marks a critical moment in the two countries’ ongoing negotiations.
President Trump announced that Mexico has agreed to immediately station 10,000 soldiers along the U.S.-Mexico border to crack down on the smuggling of fentanyl and unauthorized border crossings. The decision follows a direct conversation between Trump and Sheinbaum, during which both leaders expressed a willingness to collaborate on security and economic policies.
“I just spoke with President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico. It was a very friendly conversation wherein she agreed to immediately supply 10,000 Mexican Soldiers on the Border separating Mexico and the United States. These soldiers will be specifically designated to stop the flow of fentanyl, and illegal migrants into our Country,” Trump said in a statement on Truth Social.
In return, the United States will pause its proposed 25% tariffs on Mexican goods for one month, allowing time for further negotiations. The negotiation talks will be led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent, and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, alongside top Mexican officials.
Trump voiced confidence in the upcoming discussions, stating, “I look forward to participating in these negotiations with President Sheinbaum as we work toward a mutually beneficial deal.”
President Sheinbaum characterized the conversation with Trump as respectful and constructive, emphasizing that Mexico remains committed to its sovereignty while addressing shared concerns with the U.S. In a statement, she outlined three key points of the agreement:
- A stronger security presence at the northern border, with a focus on stopping drug trafficking, especially fentanyl.
- A pledge from the U.S. to take action against the smuggling of high-powered firearms into Mexico.
- Immediate collaboration on security and trade policy, with working groups launching discussions right away.
Sheinbaum also confirmed that Mexico proposed the tariff freeze, which Trump accepted. “They are pausing tariffs for one month from now,” she stated.
Sostuvimos una buena conversación con el presidente Trump con mucho respeto a nuestra relación y la soberanía; llegamos a una serie de acuerdos:
1.México reforzará la frontera norte con 10 mil elementos de la Guardia Nacional de forma inmediata, para evitar el tráfico de drogas…
— Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo (@Claudiashein) February 3, 2025
