Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
March 29, 2025 – Mexico City — U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem called Mexico’s recent actions on migration a “positive step” following a high-level meeting with President Claudia Sheinbaum but firmly stated that “there is still much work to be done” to stem the ongoing flow of drugs and undocumented immigrants into the United States.
The meeting, held at Mexico’s National Palace, marked Noem’s first official visit to Mexico and Sheinbaum’s first face-to-face meeting with a cabinet member of President Donald Trump. The encounter came amid growing regional tensions as both nations navigate evolving security and migration challenges.
“Today, I met with President Claudia Sheinbaum to discuss Mexico’s role in securing the U.S.-Mexico border,” Noem said on social media following the meeting. “Mexico’s deployment of National Guard troops to the border and acceptance of deportation flights is a positive step, but there is still much work to be done to stop the flow of drugs and illegal immigrants into our country.”
Noem further stated that the partnership between the two countries “will help make America and the Central American region safe again,” emphasizing the broader implications of binational cooperation.
Sheinbaum echoed a tone of mutual respect and collaboration, describing the discussion as “productive” and highlighting the strength of the U.S.-Mexico relationship.
“We welcomed Kristi Noem to the National Palace and had a productive meeting for the benefit of both Mexico and the U.S. Our countries maintain a good relationship based on mutual respect for sovereignty,” Sheinbaum posted on her social media account.
During her morning press conference, Sheinbaum set the tone for the meeting, emphasizing that migration and border security would be central to the dialogue.
“We’ll share what Mexico is doing and the coordination and collaboration we’ve established with the U.S. within the framework of national sovereignty,” she said.
Noem’s visit to Mexico was part of a tour of Latin America, with previous stops in El Salvador and Colombia—two countries that, like Mexico, are at the center of migration patterns toward the United States.
While the meeting’s tone was cooperative, it occurred amid renewed tariff threats from President Trump aimed at Mexico over border control issues. This backdrop lent additional weight to reaffirming a customs cooperation agreement between the two countries.
The Foreign Ministry of Mexico confirmed that both sides ratified the Memorandum of Understanding originally signed in July 2022. The agreement enhances bilateral efforts in customs coordination, including risk management, target selection, trade facilitation, and border infrastructure modernization.
Key elements of the agreement include:
• Shared data to identify and intercept high-risk shipments
• Coordinated monitoring of rail cargo
• Enhanced port security protocols
• Compliance with customs laws under the USMCA (T-MEC) framework
These initiatives reflect a growing recognition that migration and trade are deeply intertwined and require close collaboration beyond political rhetoric.
Secretary Noem’s visit highlights a simple but significant truth: while progress is being made, the work is far from over. Her statement— “a positive step, but there is still much work to be done”—acknowledges progress.
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