Trump-MAGA Rage at Mexico Suddenly Takes Dark Turn: “Pain Will Ensue”
Nov 29, 2024
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Douglas Rivlin, an immigration expert from America’s Voice, discusses the troubling rise in harsh rhetoric against Mexico fueled by Trump's tariff threats. He analyzes the misguided fantasies of MAGA supporters, including military invasion talk and the idea that 'pain will ensue.' Rivlin emphasizes the complexity of migration, the importance of cooperative solutions, and critiques the oversimplified narratives surrounding immigration. He warns of the potential economic fallout from these aggressive policies and the misguided political theater surrounding border security.
Trump's threats of tariffs and military action against Mexico reveal a MAGA narrative that scapegoats the country for U.S. social issues.
Diplomatic efforts already reducing migration issues are undermined by aggressive rhetoric, which could exacerbate economic challenges in Mexico and foster violence.
Deep dives
Trump's Tariff Threats and Their Implications
Trump has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on all U.S. imports from Mexico in an attempt to pressure the country to curb migration and stop the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. In response, Mexican President Claudia Scheinbaum emphasized that Mexico is already taking significant measures to manage migration, resulting in a sharp decrease in border apprehensions. Negotiations and diplomacy, rather than threats, have been effective in shaping Mexican policies aimed at addressing these issues. The potential tariffs and military threats could backfire, worsening economic conditions in Mexico and inadvertently increasing the need for migration to the U.S.
MAGA's Portrayal of Mexico and Immigration
Members of the MAGA movement are framing Mexico as the primary scapegoat for U.S. social problems, pushing a narrative that ignores the reality of cooperation and the complexity of immigration issues. The rhetoric echoes concepts of invasion, with terms designed to rally support through fear rather than fact, as seen in the reference to potential military action without Mexico’s consent. This oversimplification undermines the cooperative strategies already being employed, which have proved effective in dealing with migration and drug trafficking. By portraying immigrants as invaders, this narrative disregards their contributions to the economy and the essential roles they play in society.
The Risks of Militarization and False Narratives
The discussion around militarization and a law-and-order approach to immigration raises concerns about increased violence and the potential normalization of aggressive tactics against migrants. As supporters of MAGA rhetoric fantasize about military action, they embolden a dangerous narrative that could encourage acts of violence against perceived invaders. Research shows that the vast majority of those involved in drug trafficking are U.S. citizens, indicating a need to address American consumption rather than solely blame Mexico for the issue. The push for a strict immigration stance risks ignoring the underlying factors contributing to these challenges and could have dire consequences for U.S.-Mexico relations.
Now that Donald Trump has threatened huge tariffs on Mexico, some MAGA figures are suddenly consumed with a dark new fantasy about Trump inflicting all manner of punishment on that country. One top MAGA ally claims Mexico should prepare for a U.S. military invasion. Another says that if Mexico doesn’t do Trump’s bidding, “pain and suffering will ensue.” Trump’s propagandists are laying the groundwork to cast Mexico as a major scapegoat for U.S. social problems. We talked to Douglas Rivlin of America’s Voice, one of the best immigration and border observers out there, about how misguided Trump’s threats are, why MAGA thrills to them, and what all this could portend about the horrors that are coming.