Texas Border Project
Texas Border Project
March 29, 2025 – Mexico City – U.S. Homeland Security Director Christie Noem called Mexico’s recent action and “positive steps” following a high-level meeting with President Claudia Sheinbaum, but firmly stated that “there is still work to be done.”
The conference, held at Mexico’s National Palace, marked Gnome’s first official visit to Mexico and Shanebaum’s first meeting with President Donald Trump’s cabinet members. The encounter came amid growing tensions in the region as both countries navigate the evolving safety and migration challenges.
“Today, I met with President Claudia Sinbaum to discuss Mexico’s role in securing the US-Mexico border,” Noem told social media following the meeting. “Mexico’s deployment of national security forces to the border and accepting deportation flights is a positive step, but there is still much work to stop the flow of drugs and illegal immigration to our country.”
Noem further stated that the partnership between the two countries “helps to make the US and the Central American region safe again,” emphasizing the broader implications of bilateral cooperation.
Sheinbaum reflected the tone of mutual respect and cooperation, describing the discussion as “productive” and highlighted the strength of US-Mexican relations.
“We welcomed Christi Noem to the National Palace and held a productive meeting for the benefit of both Mexico and the US.
At a morning press conference, Simbaum set the tone for the meeting, emphasizing that migration and border security will be central to the dialogue.
“We share what Mexico is doing and the coordination and collaboration that has been established with the United States within the framework of national sovereignty,” she said.
Noem’s visit to Mexico was part of a tour of Latin America, with previous stops in El Salvador and Colombia.
The tone of the meeting was cooperative, but came amid a new tariff threat from President Trump targeting Mexico over border control issues. This background has lent additional weights to reaffirm customs cooperation agreements between the two countries.
The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that both parties have ratified the memorandum originally signed in July 2022. The agreement will intensify bilateral efforts in customs coordination, including risk management, target selection, trade promotion and modernization of border infrastructure.
The key elements of the contract are:
• Shared data to identify and intercept high-risk shipments
•Adjusted monitoring of railway freight
Enhanced port security protocols
•Compliance with customs duties based on the USMCA (T-MEC) framework
These initiatives reflect a growing perception that migration and trade are deeply intertwined and require close collaboration beyond political rhetoric.
Secretary Noem’s visit highlights a simple but important truth. Work is not finished while progress is being made. Her statement – “It’s a positive step, but there’s still a lot to do” is ongoing.
See the secretary’s post from X below:
