In a recent conversation between U.S. President Joe Biden and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, both leaders concurred on the necessity of enhancing border enforcement between their nations, as a surge in attempted border crossings has disrupted trade activities. This consensus was disclosed by the White House.
In response to this shared concern, a high-level delegation of U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and U.S. Homeland Security adviser Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, will soon embark on a visit to Mexico. The primary focus of this visit will revolve around strategies to manage and reduce migratory flows, as well as exploring avenues for bilateral cooperation in addressing this challenge, as stated by White House national security spokesperson John Kirby during a press briefing.
Kirby further elaborated that the leaders of both countries had discussed potential measures that Mexico could undertake to mitigate the pace of border crossings, acknowledging that there is room for enhanced collaboration in this regard. “There’s probably more we can be doing,” Kirby emphasized.
This call for heightened border enforcement comes in the wake of concerns raised by numerous major U.S. agricultural groups. They recently urged the reopening of two rail crossings along the Texas-Mexico border to restore vital trade routes that had been disrupted due to the influx of migrants.
In response, the White House pledged to work closely with Mexican authorities to address the issues that led to the closure of these crossings. This collaborative effort follows a temporary suspension of migrant expulsions by Mexican immigration authorities, a move attributed to funding constraints towards the end of the year.
During a press conference, President Lopez Obrador revealed that it was President Biden who had initiated the call. As President Biden seeks reelection next year, he has been facing sustained political pressure to address the escalating number of arrivals at the U.S.-Mexico border.
The dialogue between the two leaders underscores the significance of maintaining a harmonious and cooperative relationship to effectively manage border-related challenges while ensuring the smooth flow of trade and commerce between the United States and Mexico.