Mexico City – President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration is reviewing its policies to address potential challenges from the incoming Trump administration, prioritizing Mexico’s economic interests and effective immigration management.

Concerned about potentially detrimental measures from the new Trump administration, President Sheinbaum and other officials are committed to maintaining a positive bilateral relationship while upholding Mexico’s sovereignty. She recently reassured citizens that there’s no cause for alarm regarding the election results, expressing confidence in stable bilateral relations. She stated their approach would be one of “dialogue and respect for our sovereignties.”

Rodrigo Montes de Oca, a Baker Institute scholar, noted that the bilateral relationship will be more multifaceted than before. He explained that former President López Obrador (AMLO) skillfully focused the relationship solely on immigration.

He continued, “If AMLO cooperated on immigration, the U.S. overlooked critical issues like security, fentanyl trafficking, and Mexico’s anti-democratic policies. With the new Trump administration, this will be far more complex. They will address not just immigration, but trade and security. Trump even threatened to reveal intelligence on Mexican politicians linked to cartels if Mexico didn’t cooperate. The relationship will be far more comprehensive. I don’t believe the Mexican government is prepared for this.”

Anticipating Trump’s planned mass deportations and stricter immigration controls, Mexico is strengthening its own immigration policies. This involves increased southern border enforcement and enhanced cooperation with U.S. authorities to manage migration effectively. These measures aim to address U.S. concerns while respecting Mexico’s sovereignty and humanitarian obligations.

President Sheinbaum is continuing existing strategies to manage and deter migrant caravans heading to the United States. This includes using the National Guard and other security forces to intercept and disperse groups at the southern border, aiming to prevent large-scale northward movement.

The Mexican government has organized repatriation flights, reducing the number of individuals attempting to transit through Mexico to the U.S. Mexico continues collaborating with U.S. authorities on managing migration flows, including accepting some deportees and implementing policies to control the influx of individuals seeking U.S. entry.

President-elect Trump’s proposed tariffs on Mexican exports, especially in the automotive sector, have prompted Mexico to consider retaliatory measures. Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard suggested Mexico might impose its own tariffs on U.S. imports if U.S. tariffs are implemented, highlighting potential economic consequences for both countries.

Montes de Oca stated that “Mexico needs a comprehensive plan to address domestic violence; otherwise, it risks economic repercussions impacting the 2026 USMCA renegotiation.” In response to Trump’s past threats of military action against drug cartels, Mexico may strengthen its security measures to mitigate the risk of unilateral U.S. intervention, a prospect the Mexican government fears.

Senate President Gerardo Fernández Noroña observed that “Donald Trump is challenging, but he understands the importance of the relationship with our country and the significant Mexican-American community. He also benefited from considerable Mexican-American support during the election.” He added that “Claudia Sheinbaum has the skill, firmness, character, preparation, and popular support to navigate this relationship effectively.”

Congressman Raúl Torres, representing Mexicans abroad, noted that “Sheinbaum’s administration will need to bolster its southern border security strategy, deploying the National Guard and strengthening the National Migration Institute’s presence. She must also shift the negotiation narrative with the U.S., particularly with the upcoming USMCA renegotiation. She must prioritize an economic agenda empowering Mexicans in the United States, whose influence is growing as they establish businesses, create jobs, and increasingly vote for candidates like Donald Trump.”

Experts believe it’s too early to determine the extent to which Sheinbaum’s government will alter its stances and policies to improve U.S. relations. Security is a key area, as her predecessor prioritized protecting criminal groups over combating them. While she has promised continuity, security policy may be the most contentious issue with the incoming Trump administration.