President Donald Trump threatened to double tariffs on Mexico unless it stops migrant caravans heading toward the United States. (Foto: Instagram)
President Donald Trump threatened Thursday, Nov. 12, to double tariffs on Mexico if the country does not stop what he called “caravans of illegal immigrants” traveling through Mexico toward the United States. He said the groups were forming and beginning what he described as an illegal march north.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed that many people in the caravans were individuals whom other countries did not want and said those countries were effectively telling the United States to take them. He added that they would not be accepted and warned Mexico to stop the groups immediately or face an immediate doubling of tariffs. Trump also asserted that “the invasion of the United States is happening again.”
Mexico is already subject to 25% tariffs on a range of products under Trump’s trade policy. President Claudia Sheinbaum has criticized his administration, which has used tariffs to put pressure on negotiations with other countries. Trump’s latest threat tied that trade pressure to his demand for Mexican action on migration.
Trump connected the migration issue to the recent midterm election results, which dealt a setback to his Republican Party. The opposition Democratic Party won majorities in the Senate and Congress and secured most of the governorships in states that held elections. Democrats oppose Trump’s immigration policy and advocate less harsh treatment than the approach taken by his administration.
Electoral polling has indicated that the restrictive tactics used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with Trump’s support, may have contributed to the Republicans’ defeat. Trump also said Texas governor-elect Gina Hinojosa had been notified about the caravans. Hinojosa had not yet taken office and had drawn Trump’s criticism after defeating his preferred candidate in the state.
In the same Truth Social post, Trump said Mexico, Hinojosa, the Border Patrol and ICE had been informed. He referred to Hinojosa as a liberal incoming Texas governor and said there would be “no tolerance,” while thanking readers for their attention to the matter.
