Mexico’s President Andrés Manuel López Obrador recently addressed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s assertion that Mexico agreed to curb migration during his administration. López Obrador dismissed Trump’s claims as exaggerated, emphasizing Mexico’s sovereignty and independent approach to migration policies.

The Mexican leader, who is known for his nationalist rhetoric, said during his daily morning press conference, “We do not act under pressure from any foreign government. Our policies are designed to serve our people and respect human rights.” López Obrador reiterated that Mexico’s migration measures are aimed at managing flows while upholding humanitarian principles.

Trump’s Claims of Strong-Armed Negotiation

During a rally, Trump boasted that his administration was the one that forced Mexico to send troops to its southern border in order not to let migrants reach the United States. He hinted that Mexico had no choice but to obey after the threat of tariffs on Mexican exports.

In 2019, the Trump administration demanded that Mexico take decisive action to control its migration, which led to a deployment of Mexico’s National Guard and the Migrant Protection Protocols, famously known as “Remain in Mexico.” Trump may consider these actions as concessionary, but Mexican officials say they were part of broader bilateral discussions.

Mexican Migration Strategy

López Obrador has outlined the independent approach of his government towards migration, focusing on the root causes. The Mexican government has invested in development programs in Central America, such as planting trees and providing jobs to reduce the economic need for migration.

He underscored that Mexico’s response to migration is based on mutual respect with the U.S., not on threats or coercion. “We have collaborated with the U.S. on many issues, but always with dignity and respect,” López Obrador stated.

Human Rights Advocacy Amid Migration Control

The critics of Mexico’s migration policies argue that the militarization of the control of migration has been associated with human rights abuses. Advocacy groups have cited cases of abuse and deplorable conditions in detention centers for migrants. López Obrador insisted that his administration is dedicated to ensuring the safety and dignity of migrants.

Designing the Future of U.S.-Mexico Relations

This would leave the delicate balance of relations between the United States and Mexico a topic of dispute. Because of the forthcoming elections, each side may get hot and defensive when the issue of migration becomes relevant to both.

This way, by responding to Trump, López Obrador gets an opportunity to position himself as an independent-minded leader who maintains dialogue with his American counterparts.