The amount of fentanyl seized at the border between the United States and Mexico has significantly decreased since January, reaching its lowest level since December 2021, according to data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. In February, approximately 590 pounds of the deadly synthetic opioid were intercepted, representing a 40 percent decrease from the 990 pounds seized in January. It is noteworthy that a dose of just 2 milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal due to its extreme potency.
This decrease in fentanyl seizure may have implications in the border security dispute between Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and former U.S. President Donald Trump, who imposed a 25 percent tariff on products from Mexico and Canada, arguing about the national security risk arising from fentanyl smuggling. Despite this, the United States has decided to temporarily postpone the implementation of tariffs on products that meet the conditions of the free trade agreement with Mexico and Canada.
At the northern border with Canada, the amount of fentanyl seized was 1.14 pounds in February, a figure higher than the previous month but lower than the average of the previous 12 months. Border agents reported detaining 8,300 people along the southwestern border in February, representing a 71 percent decrease compared to January and the lowest monthly detention figure in decades. Regarding the detentions of foreigners attempting to enter through legal border crossings, these fell by nearly 90 percent, reaching about 3,300.
For his part, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick praised Mexico for not imposing retaliatory tariffs on the United States, warning that trading partners who create discomfort for President Donald Trump with similar measures could face severe reactions. Lutnick mentioned the case of the European Union and the tariffs imposed by both sides, highlighting Trump's intention to eliminate barriers to American exports and strengthen the domestic industry in sectors critical to national security. In this regard, Lutnick indicated that those countries willing to collaborate and understand this stance would receive differential treatment from the United States.
