Jesús Daniel Romero and William Acosta for Poder & Dinero and FinGurú
The arrival of Donald Trump as President of the United States in January 2025 has marked a turning point in American politics, particularly concerning security, immigration, and drug trafficking, areas that have profound implications for the relationship between the United States and Mexico. In his first 40 days in office, Trump has implemented a series of measures and pronouncements that have redefined his strategic approach, establishing a framework that is clearly distinct from the policies of his predecessor, President Joe Biden.
Security and the fight against drug trafficking have been a proactive focus. Since the start of his campaign, Trump has emphasized the need to strengthen security at the southern border as a matter of national priority. His administration has promised to increase investment in building a border wall, a strategy that seeks not only to stop illegal immigration but also to address drug trafficking, which Trump has identified as a phenomenon facilitated by an inadequately monitored border.
Among the strategies being developed are the strengthening of the Border Patrol, with an increase in resources and personnel for the Border Patrol, aimed at improving surveillance and control at the border. This includes hiring more agents and training in modern border control tactics.
The implementation of advanced technologies is also key, with the use of drones and monitoring systems to detect illegal activities in real-time. Enhancements to tunnel detection systems and the use of artificial intelligence to analyze security data are also anticipated.
Additionally, efforts are underway to establish agreements with Central American countries to address the root causes of migration, promoting development and security in those nations. This may include investing in infrastructure projects and security programs in collaboration with the government of Mexico and other countries in the region.
A significant example of this cooperation is Mexico's recent extradition of Rafael Caro Quintero to the United States. For over 40 years, and following the death of DEA agent Enrique Camarena, previous Mexican presidents had failed to facilitate his extradition. However, under the administration of Claudia Sheinbaum, a notable shift has taken place, reflecting a firmer disposition towards U.S. demands in the fight against drug trafficking.
Trump’s immigration policy is characterized by a strict approach aimed at reducing illegal immigration in a national security context. In his first 40 days, the administration has enacted several executive orders designed to reinforce immigration laws. The implementation of a zero-tolerance approach includes drastic measures, such as family separation at the border, generating considerable debate about the ethics and effectiveness of these policies.
The new immigration strategies include fast-track detentions and accelerated deportations, establishing quicker judicial processes for the detention and deportation of undocumented immigrants. This includes the creation of temporary immigration courts to handle cases more efficiently.
There is also consideration for the elimination of protective programs, with a review and possible elimination of programs that provide protection to certain groups of immigrants, such as Temporary Protected Status (TPS), consolidating a more punitive approach.
Increased pressure on Mexico translates into demands for the country to act as a filter for migrants attempting to reach the United States. This strategy has led to more intense negotiations with the Mexican government to implement stricter measures.
The presidency of Mexico has changed course in this context of friction. Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) had adopted a more conciliatory approach focused on social programs addressing the underlying causes of migration. However, with the arrival of the Trump administration, these dynamics have evolved. The current president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, has begun to implement changes that reflect a firmer disposition towards U.S. demands, seeking to balance cooperation in security matters with the defense of national sovereignty.
The Trump administration has established clear rules that contrast with the policies of the Biden administration. The insistence on building the wall, implementing stricter security measures, and reducing legal immigration are pillars of its strategy. These policies not only increase pressure on Mexico to play a more active role in containing migrants and drug trafficking, but they may also affect the perception of the United States as a reliable partner.
The strategies being developed include strengthening deportations, with an increase in the number of deportations and detention actions, reinforcing collaboration between the immigration agencies of both countries. This has included creating joint task forces between ICE and the Border Patrol for coordinated operations.
There is a promotion of strengthening immigration laws, seeking greater enforcement of existing laws and the creation of new regulations that bolster border security.
Trump has emphasized the need to fulfill promises made during his electoral campaign, which has entailed building the border wall, seeking to allocate funds and resources to complete this emblematic project. Priorities have been established for sections of the wall that are considered critical for security.
There is also promotion of comprehensive immigration reform, with a holistic approach that addresses not only detention and deportation but also the review of immigration programs, aiming to modify the existing system to make it more restrictive.
The promotion of national security is emphasized as a priority, committing to actions that ensure the protection of American citizens from perceived threats posed by illegal immigration.
The possible transition of power in the United States represents a critical moment for relations with Mexico. The Biden administration attempted to establish a more collaborative and humanitarian approach to immigration, but a change in leadership could reverse these advances, reinstating stricter, security-focused policies. This could include the reactivation of proposals such as wall construction and harsher measures against criminal organizations.
Mexico's response to a change in the U.S. administration will be decisive. With Claudia Sheinbaum at the helm, Mexico has adopted a firmer approach to cooperation, but it has also defended its sovereignty. If new leadership in the United States adopts a more aggressive stance, Mexico will need to navigate this new dynamic carefully, balancing security cooperation with the protection of its own interests.
The first 40 days of the Trump administration have established a new paradigm in the relationship between the United States and Mexico, characterized by a confrontational approach on issues of security, immigration, and drug trafficking. The strategies implemented, from wall construction to accelerated deportations and adherence to electoral promises, outline an agenda seeking to reaffirm the position of the United States in the region.
Recent reports indicate a significant decline in illegal crossings along the border between the United States and Mexico. In January 2025, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) detected approximately 29,000 illegal crossings, representing a 76.6% reduction compared to January 2024.
Moreover, in February 2025, the average number of undocumented migrants detained daily at the southern border fell by more than 90% compared to the same period the previous year. These figures suggest a notable decrease in unauthorized entries in recent months.
The extradition of Rafael Caro Quintero to the United States exemplifies how the presidency of Mexico is adapting to the demands of the new U.S. leadership, seeking to balance security cooperation with the defense of national sovereignty. As the Trump administration develops, these topics are likely to remain focal points of debate and conflict between both countries. The interaction between these administrations is essential to address regional challenges and ensure a constructive relationship that benefits both sides of the border. How these policies are implemented and adapted to the changing political and social context will have a lasting impact on security and immigration in North America.
References:
American Immigration Council. (2025). The first executive actions. Retrieved from https://elpais.com/mexico/2025-01-31/aranceles-y-guerra-comercial-mexico-paga-las-consecuencias-de-la-mano-dura-de-trump-contra-el-fentanilo-y-la-migracion.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
CalMatters in Spanish. (2025). President Trump declares a border emergency and Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations. Retrieved from https://calmatters.org/calmatters-en-espanol/2025/01/frontera-vigilancia-inmigrantes-deportaciones-trump-emergencia-mandato/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
El País. (2025). The Trump administration launches an offensive to deport undocumented minors who entered alone. Retrieved from https://elpais.com/us/migracion/2025-02-25/la-administracion-trump-lanza-una-ofensiva-para-deportar-a-los-menores-indocumentados-que-entraron-solos.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
El País. (2025). Sheinbaum wields the results of her security strategy before Trump. Retrieved from https://elpais.com/mexico/2025-03-03/sheinbaum-esgrime-los-resultados-de-su-estrategia-de-seguridad-ante-trump.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
El País. (2025, February 26). Trump's crackdown pulverizes the number of daily illegal crossings. Retrieved from https://elpais.com/us/migracion/2025-02-26/la-mano-dura-de-trump-pulveriza-el-numero-de-cruces-ilegales-diarios.html
Houston Chronicle. (2025, February 25). The number of border crossings in Texas plummets as migrants begin a 'reverse flow.' Retrieved from https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas-take/article/texas-border-crossing-numbers-20185448.php
New York Post. (2025, February 26). The Trump administration says it arrested nearly as many migrants in one month as Biden did in the entire past year. Retrieved from https://nypost.com/2025/02/26/us-news/trump-admin-arrests-almost-as-many-migrants-in-a-month-as-biden-did-in-2024/
About the Authors:
William L. Acosta: Magna Cum Laude graduate of PWU and Universidad de Alianza. He is a retired New York police officer and founder and CEO of Equalizer Private Investigations & Security Services Inc., a licensed agency in New York and Florida with a global reach. Since 1999, he has conducted investigations into narcotics, homicides, and missing persons, also participating in state and federal criminal defense. A specialist in international and multijurisdictional cases, he has coordinated operations in North America, Europe, and Latin America.
Jesús D. ROmero: Graduated Magna Cum Laude from Norfolk State University. He is a retired officer of the United States Navy intelligence service and Army Intelligence Operations with 37 years of combined service. He worked in the defense industry with British Aerospace Systems and Booz Allen Hamilton. He participated in missions in Bosnia, Iraq, and Sudan. He commanded a unit of the Defense Intelligence Agency in Panama and oversaw operations in the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. He is a bestselling author on Amazon and a news commentator on various media: radio, television, YouTube, and print.
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