The U.S. Embassy in Mexico reported that U.S. authorities have designated “certain areas” along the border with Mexico as extensions of military bases, and warned against entering them.
Through social media, the embassy detailed that some areas were declared national defense areas by the Donald Trump administration, and entering them will result in fines and even imprisonment.
“These are considered extensions of U.S. military bases, and any unauthorized person who enters these areas will be subject to fines, arrest, prosecution, and imprisonment,” the embassy stated.
In addition, the consulate warned anyone interested in entering the United States illegally through the border with Mexico not to risk their freedom.
“Do not enter. You risk your freedom on a trip destined to fail,” it stated.
These events occur after tensions between President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo and US President Donald Trump, who announced the designation of Mexican cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) since his inauguration on January 20.
The tariff measures imposed on Mexico have also been based on pressure from the US for Mexican authorities to combat drug cartels and prevent the entry of drugs—primarily fentanyl—into the northern country.
Among the negotiations, Sheinbaum agreed to the deployment of 10,000 National Guard (GN) troops to the northern border with the goal of strengthening security, preventing fentanyl trafficking, and inhibiting illegal migration.
Furthermore, Mexican authorities have stressed to the US the importance of addressing the illegal arms trade to Mexico, as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) confirmed that 74% of these weapons are from the United States.
On March 18, US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, and the security cabinet met at the National Palace to discuss migration and drug trafficking issues along the border.
After the meeting, Noem acknowledged Mexico’s deployment of National Guard (GN) troops to prevent drug trafficking, the entry of illegal migrants, and the acceptance of flights to repatriate citizens.
However, she asserted that there is still “much to be done” regarding migration and drug trafficking.
Source: infobae
