President Claudia Sheinbaum has responded to the recent tariffs imposed by the United States on Mexican products with a message directed at migrant Mexicans in which she reaffirms her commitment to defend them. Sheinbaum has instructed the Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard, to implement a plan that includes both tariff and non-tariff measures to protect national interests.
In a statement issued on February 1, 2025, Sheinbaum rejected the accusations from the United States regarding fentanyl trafficking and irregular migration, labeling them as slander. She insisted that Mexico's sovereignty is not negotiable and that cooperation is essential to resolve bilateral issues.
The president highlighted that the fight against drug trafficking is a shared challenge and pointed out that Mexico has taken significant measures, seizing more than 40 tons of drugs in recent months. Sheinbaum also mentioned that the weapons used by criminal groups in Mexico mostly come from the U.S. market, supporting this claim with data from the U.S. Department of Justice.
In her message, Sheinbaum urged the United States to focus on combating domestic drug trafficking and to consider the causes leading to consumption in their country. She proposed establishing a working group with the U.S. government to jointly address issues of security and public health, rather than resorting to tariffs as a solution to bilateral problems.
The president announced that she would unveil the first measures of the alternative plan in her morning conference on Monday, February 3. In an 8-minute and 19-second video, Sheinbaum reiterated her commitment to seeking constructive dialogue with the United States and reminded of the importance of mutual respect and peace in relations between individuals and nations.
