Trump Threatens to Double Tariffs on Mexico as Migrant Caravan Heads Toward U.S. Border
President Donald Trump issued a warning to Mexico on Thursday, threatening to immediately double tariffs on Mexican goods unless the country stops a large migrant caravan traveling north toward the United States.
The president announced the ultimatum on Truth Social after reports emerged that approximately 1,500 migrants had begun making their way through southern Mexico following the Democratic Party’s victories in the November midterm elections.
Trump argued that the election results had encouraged migrants to believe American immigration enforcement could soon weaken, despite his administration’s continued efforts to secure the southern border.
The president made clear that the United States would not accept the caravan and demanded immediate action from Mexican authorities to prevent its arrival.
“MEXICO MUST STOP THEM, NOW,” Trump declared, warning that tariffs would be doubled if the Mexican government failed to intervene.
Trump also announced that officials in Mexico, Texas, U.S. Border Patrol, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement had been informed of his position. He emphasized that there would be no leniency for migrants attempting to enter the country unlawfully.
The caravan departed Tuesday from Tapachula, a city in southern Mexico near the Guatemalan border. The group consists largely of Central American migrants, including families traveling with young children.
According to Reuters, several migrants expressed optimism that Democrats’ victories in Congress could eventually create new opportunities to enter the United States.
One Nicaraguan migrant who had previously been deported told reporters that he believed the election results could improve his chances of returning to America.
The group, reportedly calling itself “God With Us,” initially intends to travel to Mexico City before continuing toward the American border. The journey could take several weeks.
Trump’s warning also comes as Mexico and the United States negotiate trade arrangements following his administration’s decision not to extend the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement beyond its existing expiration date.
The president did not specify which tariffs would be doubled or explain how quickly the proposed increases could take effect.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded by emphasizing that no migrant caravan has reached the U.S. border since Trump returned to office in January 2025. She said Mexican authorities were working with migrants and encouraging those without viable immigration options to return to their home countries.
Sheinbaum also ruled out using force against the migrants, maintaining that Mexican officials would continue addressing the situation through existing immigration procedures.
The confrontation comes after Republicans lost control of both chambers of Congress in the midterm elections, creating new political challenges for the Trump administration.
Despite the election results, Trump retains executive authority over federal immigration enforcement and has continued emphasizing border security as a central priority of his presidency.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has also reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to using available federal resources to prevent unlawful border crossings.
Trump’s latest tariff threat places additional pressure on Mexico to prevent the caravan from reaching American territory, linking economic consequences directly to cooperation on immigration enforcement.