Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has deployed 10,000 troops to the northern border in response to tariff threats by President Donald Trump. The National Guard and Army trucks patrolled the border between Ciudad Juárez and El Paso, Texas, seizing makeshift ladders and ropes hidden along the border barrier. This action follows Trump’s decision to delay imposing tariffs on Mexico, with Sheinbaum promising to reinforce the border to combat fentanyl smuggling.

Despite decreasing migration levels and fentanyl overdoses, Trump declared an emergency on the border. As part of the agreement, the U.S. pledged to prevent the trafficking of American guns into Mexico to curb cartel violence. The arrival of the first forces in border cities marks the beginning of increased surveillance on the border to target drug trafficking, especially fentanyl smuggling.

José Luis Santos Iza, a National Guard leader, emphasized the mission’s focus on preventing drug trafficking from Mexico into the U.S. Ciudad Juárez is expected to receive 1,650 troops, the second-largest deployment after Tijuana, which is set to receive 1,949 troops. During U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s Latin America visit, he commended the Mexican government for deploying troops in response to migration concerns.

Sheinbaum’s negotiation for border reinforcements was seen as strategic political maneuvering, showcasing her ability to navigate relations with the U.S. amidst skepticism. The deployment of troops signals a joint effort to address border security and combat illicit activities along the border.