Mexico has committed to stationing 10,000 troops along its northern border in an effort to curb fentanyl trafficking and illegal immigration, a move that comes in exchange for a one-month suspension of tariffs previously threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the agreement on Monday via social media, just hours before the tariffs were set to be enacted.
Following a conversation between the two leaders, Trump and Sheinbaum reached a mutual understanding that Mexico would intensify efforts to combat drug smuggling while the United States would enhance measures to limit the flow of firearms southward. “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,” Trump confirmed in a post on Truth Social. He further elaborated that these troops would be tasked with stopping fentanyl trafficking and unauthorized migration.
The agreement comes in the wake of Trump’s recent announcement that he would impose a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, as well as a 10% tariff on goods from China. While the Mexico deal resulted in a temporary pause on those tariffs, discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau did not yield a similar agreement.
Trudeau acknowledged the ongoing discussions in a social media post, stating, “I just had a good call with President Trump.” He announced Canada’s decision to bolster border security, including the appointment of a “Fentanyl Czar” and the implementation of a $1.3 billion initiative to strengthen enforcement efforts. “Nearly 10,000 frontline personnel are and will be working on protecting the border,” he added.
Trump, in a separate post, expressed his satisfaction with the progress made in negotiations, saying, “Canada has agreed to ensure we have a secure Northern Border, and to finally end the deadly scourge of drugs like Fentanyl that have been pouring into our Country.” He emphasized that the tariffs would be paused for a month while further trade discussions take place.
While negotiations continue, Mexico has also entered into broader discussions with the United States regarding trade and security policies. Sheinbaum indicated that high-level officials from both nations, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Mexico’s trade representatives, would soon engage in talks to solidify long-term agreements.
The vast majority of fentanyl seized at the U.S. border originates from Mexico, with over 21,100 pounds confiscated by authorities in 2024. In contrast, only about 43 pounds were intercepted along the Canadian border. The new border enforcement efforts aim to curtail the flow of illicit drugs, which have contributed to a devastating public health crisis in the U.S.
While Mexico and the U.S. work to finalize their deal, tensions remain between Washington and Ottawa. Trudeau has encouraged Canadians to support domestic products in response to Trump’s tariff threats, urging citizens to “choose products made right here in Canada” and to “check the labels” when shopping.
With tariffs originally set to take effect at midnight Tuesday, the agreements made with Mexico have provided temporary economic relief, though negotiations with Canada remain unresolved. The coming weeks will determine whether the U.S. and its North American trade partners can reach lasting compromises on border security and economic policies.