Mexico City — In a measured response to President Trump's newly announced immigration and border policies, President Claudia Sheinbaum reiterated Mexico's commitment to defending its sovereignty while encouraging dialogue between the two nations. Following Trump's election day executive orders, which included controversial immigration proposals, Sheinbaum declared that Mexico would accept noncitizen asylum seekers returned from the U.S. but insisted on a humanitarian approach in dealing with migrant repatriation.

Sheinbaum's comments marked her first public reaction to Trump's actions since he took office. While she did not outright endorse the reinstated Remain in Mexico policy from Trump's first term, she indicated a willingness to cooperate. "We have to avoid confrontations; that’s a responsibility," Sheinbaum said, emphasizing that Mexico must protect its sovereignty while treating the United States as an equal partner in discussions about immigration and security. She pointed out the need for mutual respect in relations, advocating for coordination on cross-border issues while expressing her intention to respond to the new administration's measures "step by step," as detailed in Reuters.

In her press briefing, Sheinbaum also addressed Trump's plans to impose 25% tariffs on Mexican imports, saying discussions would commence actively rather than resorting to retaliatory measures. Historically, such tariffs would significantly impact Mexico's economy, with over 80% of its exports headed to the U.S. The prospect of economic repercussions from U.S. tariffs adds urgency to the need for diplomatic dialogue, a sentiment echoed by economic analysts, including Julio Ruiz of Citigroup, who viewed Sheinbaum’s statements as a stabilizing message for markets.

Mexico's border enforcement successes, which saw a significant reduction in illegal crossings, were noted, with Sheinbaum asserting that the country would continue its policy of prevention and humanitarian aid for asylum seekers. She also indicated a collaborative approach toward addressing drug cartels, downplaying fears that they might be classified as terrorist organizations under Trump's new policies. She remarked, “We all want to combat drug cartels, that is obvious. We have to coordinate efforts, collaborate.”

Sheinbaum’s cautious yet firm stance reflects her administration’s approach to mitigate potential fallout from Trump’s policies while reinforcing Mexico's rights and interests. "It’s important to recognize that these initiatives mirror past policies," she remarked, pushing for a cool-headed discourse in what is bound to be a tense relationship ahead.

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