Mexico has deployed the first wave of its 10,000 National Guard troops to the U.S. border as a response to President Trump’s tariff threats. The troops were seen patrolling along the border separating Ciudad Juárez and El Paso, Texas, with a focus on preventing drug trafficking, particularly of fentanyl, from Mexico to the United States. This deployment follows a week of uncertainty after Trump announced a delay in imposing tariffs on Mexico in exchange for increased border security measures.

The Mexican President, Claudia Sheinbaum, made the decision to send the National Guard to reinforce the border and combat fentanyl smuggling, despite decreasing migration levels and fentanyl overdoses in the past year. The U.S. has also pledged to enhance efforts to stop the flow of American guns into Mexico, fueling cartel violence.

The arrival of the National Guard troops was met with praise from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his trip through Latin America, where migration was a key topic of discussion. The move by President Sheinbaum was viewed as a strategic political maneuver, showcasing her ability to navigate relations with the Trump administration effectively.

With Ciudad Juárez expected to receive a significant portion of the troops, second only to Tijuana, the reinforcement aims to bolster border security and prevent illicit activities. This deployment marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to address border security and cross-border issues between Mexico and the United States.