In a powerful address to the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, September 25, 2025, Mexican Foreign Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente passionately called for an end to the criminalization of immigrants and the use of coercive trade war tactics. His speech, delivered amidst a backdrop of heightened diplomatic tensions between Mexico and the United States, underscored Mexico’s commitment to defending the rights of its nationals abroad and advocating for peaceful, cooperative solutions to global challenges. De la Fuente’s remarks were a direct response to policies pursued by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, whose aggressive anti-immigration measures and repeated threats of tariffs on Mexican exports have strained bilateral relations over the past year. The Foreign Minister’s address resonated as a clarion call for human dignity, mutual respect, and diplomacy in an increasingly polarized global landscape.
The Context of Mexico-U.S. Relations
Mexico’s relationship with the United States has long been one of the most significant and complex bilateral partnerships in the world. As neighbors sharing a 2,000-mile border, the two nations are deeply interconnected through trade, culture, and migration. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 2020, has solidified their economic ties, with Mexico being one of the U.S.’s largest trading partners. In 2024 alone, bilateral trade in goods and services between the two countries was valued at over $800 billion, with Mexico exporting automobiles, electronics, and agricultural products to the U.S. while importing machinery, fuel, and consumer goods.
However, under President Trump’s second term, which began in January 2025, the relationship has faced significant challenges. Trump’s administration has doubled down on its hardline immigration policies, including mass deportations, stricter border enforcement, and the expansion of detention facilities for undocumented migrants. These policies have disproportionately affected Mexican nationals, many of whom have lived in the United States for years, contributing to its economy and society. Alongside these measures, Trump has repeatedly threatened to impose tariffs on Mexican goods as a means of pressuring Mexico to align with U.S. immigration and security priorities. These threats have created a volatile atmosphere, testing the resilience of Mexico’s leadership under President Claudia Sheinbaum, who assumed office in October 2024.
De la Fuente’s Address: A Defense of Immigrant Rights
In his address to the UN General Assembly, Foreign Minister de la Fuente placed the issue of immigrant rights at the forefront of his message. He spoke with conviction about the need to reject the criminalization of migrants, emphasizing that migration is often driven by necessity rather than choice. “We particularly reject the criminalization of people who, for whatever reason, have been forced to leave their homes and migrate—whether to seek refuge or to escape conditions of injustice or poverty,” de la Fuente declared. “For us, migrants are people with rights.”
This statement was a direct rebuke of the policies pursued by the Trump administration, which has made anti-immigration rhetoric and action a cornerstone of its agenda. Since taking office, Trump has intensified efforts to deport undocumented immigrants, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducting large-scale raids across the United States. These operations have led to the detention of thousands of Mexican nationals, many of whom face prolonged periods in detention centers under harsh conditions. Reports from human rights organizations have documented overcrowding, inadequate medical care, and instances of family separation in these facilities, drawing widespread condemnation.
De la Fuente’s remarks highlighted the human toll of these policies. He spoke of the “dehumanizing treatment” and “arbitrary detention” faced by Mexican nationals in the U.S., underscoring the emotional and social impact on families and communities. For many Mexicans, migration to the United States is driven by a complex interplay of factors, including economic hardship, violence, and lack of opportunities in their home country. Rather than viewing migrants as criminals, de la Fuente argued that they deserve compassion, protection, and respect for their fundamental rights.
“Let there be no doubt: Mexico will not tire in ensuring the protection and support of Mexican nationals living abroad. They deserve all our attention and assistance,” he affirmed. This commitment reflects Mexico’s long-standing policy of advocating for its diaspora, particularly in the United States, where an estimated 37 million people of Mexican descent reside. The Mexican government operates an extensive network of consulates across the U.S., providing legal assistance, documentation services, and support for deportees. In recent months, Mexico has expanded these efforts in response to the uptick in deportations, establishing programs to help repatriated citizens reintegrate into Mexican society.
The Threat of Trade Wars
In addition to addressing immigration, de la Fuente took aim at the use of trade war tactics as a tool of diplomatic coercion. President Trump has repeatedly threatened to impose tariffs on Mexican exports, leveraging the economic interdependence of the two nations to pressure Mexico into compliance with U.S. demands. These demands have included increased cooperation on border security, crackdowns on Central American migrants passing through Mexico, and measures to combat drug trafficking. In early 2025, Trump floated the idea of a 25% tariff on Mexican goods, a move that would have significant repercussions for both economies.
Such threats are not new. During his first term, Trump used similar tactics, threatening tariffs in 2019 to force Mexico to strengthen its border enforcement. While those threats were ultimately averted through negotiations, the current round of tariff rhetoric has created uncertainty for businesses and policymakers on both sides of the border. The automotive industry, in particular, would be heavily impacted, as Mexico is a major producer of vehicles and auto parts for the U.S. market. A tariff war could disrupt supply chains, increase consumer prices, and jeopardize jobs in both countries.
De la Fuente’s speech reflected Mexico’s firm stance against such measures. “Mexico will always advocate for the peaceful resolution of conflicts and, for that reason, rejects sanctions and trade blockades that only harm the well-being of the people,” he stated. This position aligns with the policies of President Claudia Sheinbaum, who has navigated the tariff threats with a combination of diplomacy and resolve. Since taking office, Sheinbaum has emphasized the importance of maintaining strong economic ties with the U.S. while defending Mexico’s sovereignty and interests. Her administration has successfully avoided the imposition of tariffs thus far, but the ongoing pressure from Washington remains a significant challenge.
Mexico’s Broader Diplomatic Vision
Beyond the specific issues of immigration and trade, de la Fuente’s address articulated a broader vision for Mexico’s role in the international community. He emphasized the country’s commitment to multilateralism, diplomacy, and the principles of the United Nations Charter. Mexico has a long history of advocating for peaceful conflict resolution and respect for international law, and de la Fuente reiterated these values in his speech.
“Mexico will always advocate for the peaceful resolution of conflicts,” he said, signaling the country’s intention to act as a mediator and bridge-builder in global affairs. This stance is particularly relevant in the context of rising geopolitical tensions, including conflicts in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and other regions. By positioning itself as a voice for dialogue and cooperation, Mexico seeks to enhance its influence on the world stage.
De la Fuente also touched on the importance of addressing the root causes of migration, such as poverty, inequality, and violence. While his speech focused primarily on the treatment of migrants in the U.S., he acknowledged that migration is a global issue requiring comprehensive solutions. Mexico has been a vocal advocate for international cooperation on migration, participating in forums such as the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration, adopted by the UN in 2018. The Foreign Minister’s remarks underscored the need for collective action to create conditions that allow people to thrive in their home countries, reducing the need for migration in the first place.
The Domestic Context: Sheinbaum’s Leadership
De la Fuente’s address must also be understood in the context of Mexico’s domestic political landscape. President Claudia Sheinbaum, the country’s first female president, has made social justice and economic equity central pillars of her administration. A scientist and former mayor of Mexico City, Sheinbaum has sought to balance progressive domestic policies with pragmatic foreign policy. Her approach to U.S.-Mexico relations has been marked by a commitment to dialogue, even as she firmly rejects external pressure on Mexico’s sovereignty.
Sheinbaum’s administration has faced significant challenges, including economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing violence from drug cartels, and the need to address systemic inequality. The issue of migration is particularly complex, as Mexico is both a source of migrants to the U.S. and a transit country for Central American migrants seeking to reach the U.S. border. Sheinbaum has sought to strengthen Mexico’s migration policies, including improving conditions in migrant shelters and cracking down on human trafficking networks. At the same time, she has resisted U.S. demands to militarize the border, arguing that such measures are ineffective and violate human rights.
De la Fuente’s speech at the UN was a reflection of Sheinbaum’s broader agenda. By emphasizing the rights of migrants and rejecting coercive trade tactics, the Foreign Minister signaled that Mexico will not bow to external pressure but will instead seek to assert its values and priorities on the global stage.
The Global Implications
The issues raised by de la Fuente resonate far beyond the U.S.-Mexico relationship. The criminalization of migrants and the use of economic sanctions as a tool of diplomacy are global phenomena, affecting countries across the world. In Europe, for example, the treatment of refugees from conflict zones such as Syria and Ukraine has sparked heated debates about immigration policy. Similarly, trade disputes and sanctions have been used in conflicts involving countries like China, Russia, and Iran, often with significant consequences for civilian populations.
Mexico’s call for an end to immigrant criminalization and trade war tactics aligns with a growing movement among Global South nations to challenge the dominance of wealthier countries in shaping global norms. By speaking out at the UN, de la Fuente positioned Mexico as a leader in this movement, advocating for a more equitable and humane international order.
Looking Ahead
As Mexico navigates its relationship with the United States and its role in the world, the challenges highlighted by de la Fuente are unlikely to dissipate quickly. The Trump administration’s policies show no signs of softening, and the threat of tariffs remains a persistent concern. For President Sheinbaum and her government, the task of balancing domestic priorities with international pressures will require skillful diplomacy and strategic foresight.
De la Fuente’s address to the UN General Assembly was a bold statement of Mexico’s principles and priorities. It underscored the country’s unwavering commitment to defending the rights of its citizens, promoting peaceful conflict resolution, and resisting coercive tactics. As the world grapples with the complexities of migration, trade, and global cooperation, Mexico’s voice will continue to play a vital role in shaping the conversation.
In conclusion, Juan Ramón de la Fuente’s speech was more than a critique of U.S. policies; it was a call to action for the international community to uphold the dignity of migrants and reject divisive economic strategies. By articulating a vision of compassion, cooperation, and sovereignty, Mexico has reaffirmed its place as a principled actor in global affairs, ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century with resolve and humanity.
