Trump’s Scam on Tariffs Wrecked in Surprise Moment from Stephen Miller
Feb 6, 2025
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Adam Isacson, an expert on Latin America, dives into the surprising revelations about Mexico's immigration policies and how they challenge Trump's narrative on tariffs. He discusses Stephen Miller's concerns regarding aggressive tariffs undermining Mexico’s efforts to manage migration. Isacson reveals the proactive measures taken by Mexico in collaboration with the Biden administration, which effectively debunks the myth that Trump’s threats influenced Mexican actions. The conversation also touches on the psychological impacts of migration dynamics on U.S. policy and the financial implications of immigration crackdowns.
Stephen Miller's concerns about aggressive tariffs reveal that Mexico was already enhancing migration control prior to U.S. intervention.
The Biden administration's cooperation with Mexico has significantly improved enforcement against migration, emphasizing the complex relationship between tariffs and border security.
Deep dives
Stephen Miller's Admission on Tariffs and Migration Control
Stephen Miller expressed concern that overly aggressive tariffs on Mexico could compromise its cooperation in controlling migration towards the U.S. border. This admission highlights that Mexico has already been taking steps to apprehend migrants, contrary to the narrative that U.S. tariffs were the catalyst for such measures. A significant reduction in migrants has occurred in recent months, as Mexico has intensified its efforts, leading to apprehensions exceeding 90,000 per month due to well-placed checkpoints and military deployment. This acknowledgment undermines previous claims made by Trump and his supporters regarding their control over Mexican migration policies.
Historic Collaboration Between U.S. and Mexico in Migration Control
The cooperation between the Biden administration and the Mexican government has notably intensified since the end of 2023, with Mexico significantly ramping up its enforcement efforts against migrants. Following discussions between U.S. and Mexican officials, an increase in military police and migration personnel along key migration routes was implemented, resulting in a dramatic decrease in the number of migrants heading north. This strategic approach has been effective in reducing crossings by intercepting migrants further south rather than solely at the border, which demonstrates Mexico's crucial role in shaping migration patterns. The partnership has evolved into a bilateral approach, balancing U.S. interests with Mexico's sovereignty and security.
The Complex Dynamics of Immigration Policy and Economic Incentives
The relationship between U.S. tariff threats and Mexico's cooperation on migration is characterized by intricate economic dynamics. If tariffs reach a significant level, they risk destabilizing the Mexican economy, which may in turn lead to decreased cooperation regarding migration control. Previous patterns show that aggressive tariff enforcement could provoke Mexico to ease its efforts in response to economic pressure. This situation illustrates how migration policy is influenced not only by political posturing but also by economic realities, necessitating a careful balance between border security and trade relations.
Stephen Miller privately worried about imposing overly aggressive tariffs on Mexico, because it could imperil Mexico’s effort to apprehend migrants traveling north to our southern border, reports the Wall Street Journal. That revelation is more striking than you think. Understood correctly, it’s an acknowledgment that Mexico had already been cracking down on migration, due to an arrangement secured by President Biden. That badly undermines Trump’s scam that his threat of tariffs forced Mexico to do his bidding on the border. We talked to Adam Isacson, an expert on Latin America, who explains what Mexico has actually been doing on immigration, and why it undercuts Trump’s biggest claims about immigration, tariffs, Mexico, and more.