In Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, the Mexican National Guard and Army deployed troops along the border with El Paso, Texas, in response to tariff threats from President Donald Trump. This move included the dispatch of 10,000 troops to the northern frontier. The masked and armed National Guard members were observed inspecting the border barrier, retrieving makeshift ladders and ropes concealed in the trenches. Patrols were also conducted near Tijuana as part of the reinforcement efforts.

This deployment followed a week of uncertainty after Trump’s announcement of delaying tariffs on Mexico. The agreement led Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to promise the reinforcement of the border and intensified efforts to combat fentanyl smuggling. Despite decreasing migration levels and fentanyl overdoses, Trump declared a border emergency. The U.S. committed to preventing the trafficking of American guns into Mexico, fueling cartel violence and criminal activities related to migrant smuggling.

The National Guard members, part of the newly deployed forces, affirmed the mission of maintaining constant surveillance on the border to combat drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl smuggling. Ciudad Juárez was expected to receive 1,650 troops, with Tijuana slated for 1,949 reinforcements. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio commended the Mexican government for its cooperation during his tour of Latin America, where migration issues dominated discussions.

Sheinbaum’s negotiation tactics were praised as a strategic move amid doubts about her ability to navigate relations with the Trump administration effectively. The reinforcement of the border signifies a significant step in addressing security concerns and combating illegal activities along the Mexico-U.S. border.