Politics · United States · 8 hrs ago
Trump threatens to double tariffs on Mexico over migrant caravans
Donald Trump threatened to double tariffs on Mexico unless it stops migrant caravans from reaching the US border.
The caravans include people travelling north from Central America through Mexico, including groups recently seen in the southern state of Chiapas.
Mexican authorities have blocked some groups, while another group of about 1,000 people crossed into Mexico and continued north.
Trump’s threat comes as the United States and Mexico renegotiate their trade deal, and some Mexican exports already face US duties.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said no migrant caravan had reached the US border since Trump returned to office, and that US immigration policy had not changed after the midterm elections.
Mexico says it is advising migrants that reaching the US is extremely difficult and is seeking safe returns or options to stay in Mexico under conditions.
Mexico’s economy minister Marcelo Ebrard said the migration issue did not appear likely to put commercial relations at risk, but said he had not yet received communication from US trade officials about Trump’s statement.
Donald Trump threatened on Thursday to double tariffs on Mexico immediately unless it stops migrant caravans from reaching the US border.
At least two groups of migrants from Central America had recently attempted to travel through Mexico toward the border.
Mexican authorities intervened against one group, while another crossed into Mexico and was moving through Chiapas.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said no migrant caravan had reached the US border since Trump returned to office.
The threat came as the United States and Mexico were renegotiating the terms of their trade deal.
- Who
- US President Donald Trump threatened Mexico. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded.
- What
- Trump said tariffs on Mexico would be doubled unless it stopped migrant caravans from reaching the US border.
- When
- Thursday, November 12, 2026.
- Where
- The threat concerned Mexico and the US-Mexico border; a migrant group was traveling through Chiapas.
- Why
- Trump said Mexico must stop the caravans from reaching the border.
Donald Trump
Claudia Sheinbaum
Migrant caravans
Donald Trump
Mexico must stop the groups from reaching the US border or face immediately doubled tariffs.
Claudia Sheinbaum
She said no caravan had reached the US border since Trump returned to office and urged migrants not to believe that US immigration policy had changed.
US border access
Donald Trump
Trump described the caravans as an “invasion” and said they would not be accepted.
Claudia Sheinbaum
Sheinbaum said reaching the United States was extremely difficult and that migrants could return home safely or remain in Mexico under specific conditions.
Mexico intervened to block several groups of migrants traveling north from Central America.
A group of about 1,000 people crossed into Mexico without encountering resistance, according to Le Monde EN.
Mexican security personnel intervened against a group of about 100 people after it crossed a river from Guatemala, reportedly detaining dozens.
Trump threatened to double tariffs on Mexico immediately unless it stopped the caravans.
Another migrant caravan was expected to leave Honduras.
- Tariff threat
- Trump said tariffs on Mexico would be doubled immediately.
- Group sizes
- Le Monde EN reported groups of about 1,000 and around 100 people; El Financiero said one group had fallen from 600 to 100.
- Location
- The group of about 1,000 was traveling through Chiapas on November 12.
- Mexican president
- Claudia Sheinbaum said no caravan had reached the US border since Trump returned to office in January 2025.
- Trade relationship
- The United States and Mexico were renegotiating their free trade deal.
5 sources
Trump threatens Mexico with increased tariffs over migrant caravans
El tema migratorio no pone en peligro las conversiones comerciales: Marcelo Ebrard
Tipo de cambio HOY: Amenaza de más aranceles de Trump ‘destantea’ al peso
Trump threatens to double tariffs on Mexico over illegal immigration
ترمب مهدداً المكسيك: سنضاعف رسوم الجمارك بسبب المهاجرين
What people are saying
MEXICO MUST STOP THEM, NOW, and if they do not do so, the Tariffs on Mexico will be IMMEDIATELY DOUBLED.
There are people who mislead migrants by saying, for instance, that the US election result has changed immigration policy, which is simply not true.
We're telling the people in the caravan that entering the United States is extremely difficult, and that if their goal is to reach the United States, they will not be able to do so,