Mexico’s President Sheinbaum Confronts U.S. Over Deportation to Africa, Remittance Taxes, and Bilateral Tensions
Mexico City — President Sheinbaum Confronts U.S In a wide-ranging morning press conference on Thursday, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed a series of high-stakes issues straining U.S.-Mexico relations, including the controversial deportation of a Mexican citizen to Africa, proposed U.S. taxes on remittances, and ongoing efforts to curb arms trafficking. The president’s remarks underscored both the collaborative and contentious dynamics shaping North American diplomacy under the Trump administration’s second term.
A Delayed Start: Sheinbaum’s Early Call with Trump
President Sheinbaum began her mañanera—a hallmark of Mexican presidential communication—30 minutes late, citing an “early call” with U.S. President Donald Trump. The leaders discussed trade negotiations, a persistent flashpoint since Trump reinstated tariffs on Mexican steel, aluminum, and automotive imports earlier this year.
“We’re continuing to talk about trade issues… we’re still negotiating,” Sheinbaum said, emphasizing a “good relationship” and “good communication” between the two governments. Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard is set to travel to Washington, D.C., on Friday to advance talks aimed at further reducing tariffs. Sheinbaum noted this was her seventh conversation with Trump since his November 2024 election victory, reflecting the frequency of dialogue despite simmering disagreements.
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The Remittance Tax Battle: A Threat to Vital Lifelines
A central focus of Sheinbaum’s address was the U.S. House of Representatives’ approval of Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a sweeping budget proposal that includes a 3.5% tax on remittances sent by non-citizens from the U.S. This marks a reduction from the initially proposed 5%, but Mexico remains staunchly opposed.
Why It Matters:
- Remittances are a cornerstone of Mexico’s economy, with over $65 billion sent from the U.S. in 2024 alone—accounting for nearly 4% of Mexico’s GDP.
- States like Michoacán, Guerrero, and Oaxaca, where poverty rates exceed 50%, rely heavily on these funds for basic needs, education, and small-business investments.
Sheinbaum reiterated Mexico’s stance: “We don’t want there to be a tax.” She argued the levy would constitute a “double tax” since senders already pay U.S. income taxes, potentially violating the U.S. Constitution’s prohibition on double taxation. Mexican officials, including Ambassador to the U.S. Alejandro Celorio, have lobbied Congress intensively, warning of humanitarian and economic fallout.
“We’re speaking with Republican and Democrat senators… explaining why it’s not good for there to be a tax on remittances,” Sheinbaum said. While the tax wasn’t discussed in her latest call with Trump, she hinted at future negotiations: “There will be other calls.”
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Arms Trafficking: A Rare Point of Agreement
In a rare acknowledgment of U.S. cooperation, Sheinbaum praised the Trump administration for addressing arms trafficking—a long-standing Mexican grievance. Over 70% of weapons seized from Mexican cartels in the past decade originated in the U.S., according to the Mexican Foreign Ministry.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent admission that cartels use U.S.-made firearms marked a turning point. “The Trump administration is, perhaps, the first [U.S. government] that acknowledges there is trafficking of weapons… and wants to combat it,” Sheinbaum said. Since January, joint operations have led to notable seizures, including a March raid in Texas that intercepted 2,000 rifles en route to Sinaloa Cartel factions.
Context:
- The 2004 expiration of the U.S. Federal Assault Weapons Ban flooded Mexico with high-caliber weapons.
- Previous administrations, including Obama and Biden, faced criticism for insufficient action.
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Deportation to Africa: A Legal and Diplomatic Quagmire
The most explosive topic was the U.S. deportation of Jesús Muñoz Gutiérrez, a Mexican citizen, to Djibouti in East Africa. Muñoz, convicted of second-degree murder in California, was among eight men the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) called “some of the most barbaric, violent individuals illegally in the U.S.”
Key Details:
- The U.S. attempted to deport the group to South Sudan, but a federal judge in Boston blocked the move, leaving them stranded in Djibouti.
- Mexico was not notified of Muñoz’s deportation, violating bilateral agreements requiring consultation.
Sheinbaum called the deportation “unilateral” and “unacceptable,” stressing that Muñoz must be repatriated to Mexico if he wishes. Under Mexican law, he would likely serve his life sentence in a domestic prison. “The entire case is being reviewed,” she said, signaling potential legal challenges.
Trump blasted the judge’s intervention on social media: “He would not allow these monsters to proceed… This is not the premise under which I was elected.” Critics argue the deportation to a politically unstable region sets a dangerous precedent, with Human Rights Watch condemning it as “a violation of international due process.”
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Economic Resilience: Foreign Investment Defies Global Uncertainty
Despite trade tensions, Sheinbaum highlighted Mexico’s robust economic indicators. Foreign direct investment (FDI) reached $18.9 billion in Q1 2025—a 12% increase from 2024—driven by nearshoring trends as companies shift supply chains from Asia.
Sectors Leading Growth:
- Automotive: Tesla’s $5 billion Gigafactory in Nuevo León.
- Renewables: German solar giant SMA’s expansion in Sonora.
- Tech: Amazon Web Services’ new data center in Querétaro.
“There is confidence in investing in our country,” Sheinbaum asserted, though economists warn that U.S. tariffs could dampen long-term growth. The World Bank projects Mexico’s GDP will grow 2.8% in 2025, outpacing regional peers like Brazil (1.5%) and Argentina (0.9%).
Security for Officials: “We Won’t Distance Ourselves from the People”
The murder of two aides to Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada on Tuesday prompted questions about officials’ safety. Sheinbaum, who eschews a traditional security detail, firmly rejected enhanced protections: “No… We don’t plan to.”
Her approach mirrors her predecessor Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s philosophy of maintaining proximity to citizens. “One can’t move away from the people… The day we distance ourselves is the day we stop being a government of the people,” she said.
Critics’ Concerns:
- Mexico’s political class faces extreme risks; over 250 local officials were killed between 2021 and 2024.
- Sheinbaum’s weekend tours—where she mingles freely with crowds—have drawn warnings from security analysts.
Analysis: A Fragile Partnership at a Crossroads
Sheinbaum’s press conference revealed a bilateral relationship balancing cooperation and conflict. While collaboration on arms trafficking offers a glimmer of progress, the remittance tax and deportation disputes highlight deep ideological rifts.
Expert Perspectives:
- Dr. Laura Carlsen, Director of the Americas Program (CIP): “The remittance tax is economic warfare. It targets vulnerable families to score political points ahead of the U.S. midterms.”
- Ambassador Arturo Sarukhan (Ret.): “Deporting Mexicans to third countries is a breach of sovereignty. Mexico must respond firmly but avoid escalating a trade war.”
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