(NewsNation) — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will travel to Mexico on Friday to meet with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, with a primary focus on immigration, deportation agreements and trade tensions.
The trip comes as Mexico has worked to negotiate with the Trump administration to avoid tariff threats. However, despite Sheinbaum’s efforts, President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on auto imports on Wednesday, which has sparked significant concern in Mexico.
During their meeting, Noem and Sheinbaum will discuss improving immigration cooperation, especially as Mexico grapples with increased deportations from the U.S. and the ongoing humanitarian concerns tied to the migrant crisis.
Noem is also expected to seek stronger assurances from Sheinbaum’s administration regarding enhanced border security.
Noem’s Mexico trip comes during tariff wars
The timing of Trump’s tariff announcement complicates diplomatic discussions.
Sheinbaum has spent months negotiating to avoid such trade escalations, and the tariff decision has surprised the Mexican government, adding complexity to the talks.
Mexican officials argue that the tariff impacts not just trade and jobs but also cooperation on immigration and security — areas where both countries had previously found common ground.
In Mexico City, there is clear frustration, and Noem faces the delicate task of maintaining immigration cooperation while reassuring Mexico of the economic partnership amid the sudden tariff tensions.
The visit is part of Noem’s tour of three Latin American nations to discuss immigration, crime and deportation. The Department of Homeland Security said the trips underscore the importance of the United States’ partner countries.
Noem traveled to El Salvador, where she toured the Terrorist Confinement Center and met with President Nayib Bukele on Wednesday. She also sat down Thursday with Colombian Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia.
NewsNation’s Ali Bradley and The Associated Press contributed to this report.