Both Countries Agree to Deploy 10,000 Personnel to Curb Drug Trafficking and Illegal Migration
In a move to avoid the imposition of tariffs, Mexico and Canada have agreed to enhance their border security with the United States. Both countries will send 10,000 personnel each to their respective borders to combat the illegal trafficking of drugs and migration.
President Trump announced on Sunday that he would implement a 25% tariff on goods imported from both Canada and Mexico. However, after negotiations, both nations reached agreements that resulted in a 30-day pause on these tariffs.
Mexico was the first to secure a deal with the White House. President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that 10,000 National Guard troops would be deployed along the US-Mexico border to prevent the flow of illegal migrants and curb the smuggling of synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, into the United States. Sheinbaum noted that she had a productive conversation with President Trump just before the tariffs were set to be implemented.
During the negotiations, Sheinbaum also raised concerns about high-powered weapons being trafficked from the US into Mexico, fuelling violence and criminal activity. She sought US assistance in addressing this issue, which Trump agreed to support.
In a similar effort, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada would also contribute to border security, with 10,000 frontline personnel assigned to safeguard the US-Canada border. Trudeau revealed that Canada would appoint a “fentanyl czar” to combat drug trafficking, designate drug cartels as terrorist organisations, and implement 24/7 surveillance along the border. Additionally, a joint Canada-US strike force will focus on organised crime, money laundering, and fentanyl distribution.
Both leaders are likely to view the agreement as a victory. While Trump claims success in securing action from his neighbours, Trudeau sees the deal as a way to avert tariffs, especially since many of the proposed measures, including the creation of a fentanyl czar, were already part of Canada’s pre-existing plans.
Trump expressed satisfaction with the outcome and indicated that further discussions would take place to structure a “Final Economic Deal” with Canada.