President Donald Trump threatened on Thursday, Nov. 12, to “immediately double” tariffs on MÉXICO if the government does not stop migrant caravans traveling toward the United States border.
The President issued the warning via his Truth Social account, claiming that “enormous caravans” are forming within Mexican territory following recent legislative election results. He characterized the migrants as individuals that “several countries do not want” and stated his administration would not permit their entry.
“¡Aquí vamos de nuevo!
“MÉXICO DEBE DETENERLOS, AHORA, y si no lo hacen, los aranceles a México se DUPLICARÁN INMEDIATAMENTE.” — Donald Trump.
“MÉXICO, EL GOBERNADOR DE TEXAS, EL NUEVO GOBERNADOR DE TEXAS, MUY LIBERAL, NUESTRA GRAN PATRULLA FRONTERIZA Y EL ICE, HAN SIDO INFORMADOS. ¡No habrá clemencia!” — Donald Trump.
President Claudia Sheinbaum stated on Thursday that federal authorities are actively working to inform migrants about the difficulty of entering the United States. Sheinbaum confirmed that two caravans are currently in MÉXICO, noting that one group in Arriaga, Chiapas, has dwindled from roughly 600 people to fewer than 100.
“Informamos a la gente que va en la caravana que es muy difícil pasar a EU, que si su objetivo es llegar a EU, pues no lo van a poder lograr porque no hay esa posibilidad.” — Claudia Sheinbaum, President of MÉXICO.
“Entonces buscamos la manera de que regresen a sus países de manera segura o si alguien se quiere quedar en México bajo ciertas condiciones en determinado lugar lo puede hacer.” — Claudia Sheinbaum.
Sheinbaum said that a second caravan originating from Honduras is receiving similar humanitarian assistance and human rights-based treatment. According to the President, the majority of migrants choose to return to their countries of origin once they are informed that asylum is not available and that crossing into the U.S. is not possible.
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President Sheinbaum said that since the start of the current U.S. administration, no migrant caravan has successfully reached the northern border.
This threat marks a return to the strategy of linking trade tariffs with migration control, a tactic used during Trump’s first term to pressure MÉXICO into increasing border surveillance. While the President has threatened to double tariffs, no official action has been taken to implement this increase as of Nov. 12.
President Sheinbaum reported two active caravans. One group is located in Arriaga, Chiapas, and has seen its numbers drop from approximately 600 people to fewer than 100, while a second group originating from Honduras is receiving similar humanitarian treatment and information.
No. As of Nov. 12, the President’s statement remains a threat delivered via social media rather than a confirmed change in trade policy or an official implementation of increased tariffs.
Authorities provide information directly to migrants explaining that entry into the United States is not possible. Officials encourage the migrants to return to their home countries safely or to stay in MÉXICO under certain conditions.
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