President Trump’s proposed tariffs on Mexico and Canada triggered last-minute negotiations, leading to a 30-day extension. In Mexico’s case, the deployment of 10,000 troops to the border helped secure the delay. Some believe Mexico can continue to skirt the tariffs with symbolic gestures. That would be a mistake — not just a gamble, but a missed opportunity.
When Trump first attacked NAFTA, many feared disaster. Instead, the result was a renegotiated trade deal that expanded North American trade to $2 trillion annually. Today we present a similar moment. Instead of simply avoiding tariffs, Mexico should take the lead with bold proposals on security, narcotics, migration and trade — issues that have long strained relations but remain unresolved.
The fentanyl and opioid crisis: It has killed more than 720,000 Americans since 1999, more than the American casualties in both world wars combined. It has also devastated Mexico, fueling organized crime, corruption, and lawlessness. Both countries have a clear and shared interest in tackling this problem together.
Mexico should join the United States in designating cartels as terrorist organizations, with guarantees against unilateral U.S. intervention and safeguards for legitimate businesses. This would allow for tougher sanctions, stricter anti-money laundering controls, and better compensation for victims. A Trump-style amnesty for corruption crimes committed before the designation could make this politically viable in Mexico, offering a fresh start.
In addition, Mexico and the United States should block the entry of Chinese precursor chemicals that fuel fentanyl production. Joint targeting and intelligence sharing would be key. The fight against illicit imports could also expose millions of dollars in uncollected customs duties on misclassified Chinese goods.
Finally, Mexico should propose scanning 100% of cross-border vehicles with non-intrusive inspection technology. This would intercept both northbound drug shipments and the estimated 120,000 high-caliber weapons trafficked south annually for the cartels. This initiative, which will begin with commercial traffic and expand to private vehicles, would spur technological improvements in scanning equipment to secure the border without disrupting trade.
Migration: Recent declines in illegal border crossings are largely due to stepped-up enforcement in Mexico, a policy shift that began under President Biden and has intensified under Trump. Unlike before, migrants apprehended in Mexico are no longer simply released to continue their journey north.
In exchange for its cooperation, Mexico should push for protections for long-term Mexican residents in the United States, including DACA recipients, and for expanding legal pathways for Mexican workers to align labor mobility with U.S. economic needs.
Mexico must also recognize its new reality: it is no longer just a country of origin for migrants, but a major transit and destination hub. Strengthening its southern border with Guatemala and Belize has been an unfulfilled goal for years; now is the time to act. Mexico should fund border infrastructure on its side, while the United States supports security efforts in Guatemala and Belize.
In addition, Mexico should propose a U.S.-funded gas pipeline through southern Mexico into Central America. This would benefit U.S. gas producers, dramatically reduce regional energy costs, and create jobs, all while addressing the root causes of migration. It would also ease current tensions between the United States and Mexico over energy policy and boost economic development in southern Mexico. Trade: A major driver of Trump’s tariff threats is concern about China’s growing presence in North American trade. Many believe that Chinese companies are using Mexico to evade U.S. tariffs and import restrictions, including those linked to forced labor. Mexico and the United States share an interest in monitoring the factual basis for this claim, closing loopholes, and ensuring compliance with North American safety standards.
Joint review of Chinese goods entering Mexico and increased scrutiny of supply chains would prevent tariff evasion and misuse of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Stronger enforcement would also pave the way for expanded preclearance programs. U.S. and Mexican customs officials already collaborate at some ports under unified cargo processing agreements. This model should be expanded, allowing U.S. officials to preclear goods at Mexican factories and loading docks, expediting trade and maintaining security.
Rather than treating Trump’s negotiations as a crisis to be managed, Mexico should use this moment to redefine itself as a true economic and security partner. Advancing bold, strategic proposals will not only strengthen Mexico’s own security and economic growth, but will also demonstrate its importance to the United States.
The stakes are high, but the potential rewards are even greater. It’s time for Mexico to lead.
Bersin is CEO of Altana Technology and an inaugural North America Fellow at the Wilson Center. He previously served as U.S. Attorney in San Diego, “border czar” of the U.S.-Mexico border, and as Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. He lives in Washington, D.C. Bitar is the North America Scholar at the Wilson Center and lives in Washington, D.C.
Source: sandiegouniontribune
