In a recent agreement with President Trump to postpone imposing significant tariffs on Mexico for one month, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced her intention to dispatch an additional 10,000 members of the National Guard to the U.S.-Mexico border. This decision aims to combat drug trafficking, especially the flow of fentanyl, from Mexico into the United States.
The introduction of these extra troops is expected to place considerable demands on an already young National Guard, which is relatively new and currently operates under the Mexican military's authority. Unlike the United States, Mexico does not have a specific border patrol, resulting in a reliance on the military and the National Guard for border security, as immigration agents are not permitted to carry arms, according to security analyst Jonathan Maza based in Mexico.
Historically, Mexico has turned to the National Guard to help manage illegal migration. In 2019, former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who is also Sheinbaum’s political mentor, faced pressure from Trump regarding migration issues and subsequently deployed National Guard troops to the southern border with Guatemala.
6 Comments
Donatello
This is a proactive step towards combating the fentanyl crisis. We need to do everything possible to stop it.
Michelangelo
With Mexico having such a different security structure, delegating border security to the military is dangerous.
Raphael
Instead of militarizing the border, how about investing in communities that are affected by drug trafficking?
Leonardo
Isn't it ironic that Mexico relies on its military for border security, while the U.S. has a dedicated border patrol?
Donatello
This just continues the cycle of fear and militarization rather than addressing social issues head-on.
Muchacha
The National Guard is already stretched thin; this just puts their safety and effectiveness at risk.