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The Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem arrived at the National Palace to meet with Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum.
What initially seemed like a routine diplomatic visit turned into a revealing episode about the priorities of Donald Trump’s administration and the stance of the Mexican government.
Noem, known for her hardline approach to immigration and security, did not mince words: she presented Sheinbaum with a list of demands that President Trump would like to see fulfilled.
Among them, she emphasized the request to share biometric data and reinforce Mexico’s southern border with Guatemala.
However, Sheinbaum responded days later, on April 1, clarifying that she did not comply with those demands.
Noem’s visit was part of a tour across Hispanic America, including stops in El Salvador and Colombia, focusing on immigration, drug trafficking, and deportation issues.
In Mexico, the official arrived with a clear message: the United States expects more action from its southern neighbors.
During an interview with Fox News on March 31, Noem stated that she gave Sheinbaum «options» to intensify cooperation, including scanning air shipments and sharing criminal background information.
But the most controversial point was her request for biometric data on immigrants and travelers crossing Mexico—a proposal Sheinbaum called «controversial» and, according to her, did not move forward.
In her April 1 morning press conference, Sheinbaum was blunt: she did not sign any agreement to share biometric data with the United States. The reason? Mexico does not have a national registry of this type. «We don’t have those biometric data to begin with,» Sheinbaum explained, emphasizing that any discussion on the matter would require a dedicated working group.
Only a previously existing memorandum of understanding, signed in 2022 under Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s administration, was renewed to facilitate information sharing between customs agencies.
The context of this meeting cannot be ignored. Just days later, on April 2, Trump announced new 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian products—a measure aimed at pressuring both countries to curb the flow of immigrants and fentanyl into the United States.
Noem, aligned with Trump’s «America First» protectionist stance, made it clear that Mexico must do more. On her X account, following the meeting, she wrote: «Deploying the National Guard at the border and accepting deportation flights are positive steps, but there is still much work to be done.»
The meeting, which lasted nearly two hours instead of the scheduled 30 minutes, included key figures from the Mexican cabinet, such as Foreign Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente, Interior Minister Rosa Icela Rodríguez, and Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sheinbaum highlighted the contributions of 12 million Mexicans in the United States, while Noem «reaffirmed» respect for Mexican sovereignty.
However, Kristi Noem’s subsequent statements show that her patience has limits, and rightly so: Trump demands concrete results, not words.
The official made it clear that cooperation must translate into actions, not diplomatic speeches that sidestep real issues.
The issue of biometric data is crucial, and Noem is absolutely right to insist on it. In a world where security is at stake, having accurate information about those crossing borders is an urgent necessity, especially to combat organized crime and uncontrolled inmigration.
The United States seeks more effective monitoring of those transiting through Mexico, and Noem’s pressure reflects a firm but logical stance: without reliable data, the fight against drug trafficking and illegal migration falls short.
Sheinbaum avoided commitment, claiming that Mexico lacks a biometric registry—a response that sounds more like an excuse than a solution.
Another critical point is Mexico’s southern border. Noem insisted that Mexico must «secure» its boundary with Guatemala, a demand that clashes with the reality on the ground and available resources.
Sheinbaum rejected militarization and instead advocated for her vision of economic development. However, the numbers speak for themselves: irregular migration remains a massive challenge, and current efforts have not convinced Washington.
Meanwhile, Mexico has reinforced its northern border with 10,000 National Guard troops and boasts record fentanyl seizures, but for Trump and Noem, this is not enough.
Noem’s visit comes at a delicate moment. The threat of tariffs and Trump’s aggressive rhetoric put Mexico in a vulnerable position. The Mexican economy, deeply integrated with the U.S., could suffer a severe blow if tensions escalate.
Sheinbaum has said she is «prepared» to respond, but her strategy seems more reactive than proactive. The renewal of the customs agreement is a gesture of cooperation but does not address Washington’s more ambitious demands.
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