Mexico-US Trade Talks: Mexico's Stance and Progress

Mexican Foreign Secretary Roberto Velasco Álvarez and his host parted ways via laid-out translation, Mr. Secretary Roberto Velasco Álvarez had warned about insecurity in Mexico just as the United Nations General Assembly drew to a close. He spoke of a 50 percent reduction in the rate of homicides across Mexico in the past two years, yet acknowledged that 2019 saw 14 years' highest murder rate for women. This very same week, as Velasco Álvarez warned that 21 Mexican nationals died in ICE custody, the Trump administration called Mexico the epicenter of cartel violence. Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco Álvarez made it clear that Mexico "has a very important security cooperation with the United States," adding that the cooperation is based on the principles of respect for Mexico’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He said that "cooperation without subordination" is the philosophy of Mexico. To that end, he mentioned that any foreign presence or activity in Mexico must be consistent with Mexican laws and the Mexican constitution.

The Border and Trade Tensions

A key border problem is violent cartel activity. Previously, Mexico’s government warned that "the Trump administration has designated eight Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and they’re using this framework to justify and threaten potential military action." Velasco Alvarez argued that Mexican authorities will thoroughly investigate every case of deaths and demand justice.

Historic improvements but long way to go

The murder rate of women in Mexico has reached a 14-year high. In response, Mexico has made "excellent progress" in security over the last two years. The homicide rate fell over 50 percent. This progress is "historic and very important," Velasco Álvarez pointed out. The security situation in Mexico remains dire, however, with the murder rate for women reaching a 14-year high in 2019.

A Trade Relationship Under Review

The USMCA review, postponed from last October, shows that Mexico is evaluating its trade relationships. Velasco Álvarez pointed out that Mexico is actively exploring new trade relationships. "We have free trade agreements with more than 60 countries in the world. We continue to communicate with these and other partners." He further emphasized, "But it doesn't mean that we do not continue to have a close and respectful relationship with the United States, and particularly on trade, given that we are each other’s number one trading partner." Nonetheless, Mexico is simultaneously considering a trade agreement with the EU and maintaining its trade partnerships in Southeast Asia.

How the Mexican Government Seeks Justice for Citizens

Migrants have died in ICE custody. Velasco Álvarez recapped that “human rights in all of the world are one of our primary responsibilities. And of course, we're always looking for ways to protect them." He further explained that "we have taken a series of measures" to ensure that the conditions do not recur, mentioning that "we have received an indication of more information on that." Here, he explained that his government is pursuing legal action to address the issue of the deaths of 17 Mexican nationals in ICE custody. He added, "We will continue to make the case that it is extremely important to make sure that the conditions that led to these deaths do not continue to exist."" What remains is the truth to be revealed for the families and the world.

What This Means For Immigration Reform

Velasco Álvarez is pursuing rigorous legal action to “make sure that the conditions that led to these deaths do not continue to exist.” This stance is a clear indicator of Mexico’s determination to hold the U.S. accountable for the deaths of Mexican nationals in ICE custody.

Supporting the Families

The death of 17 Mexican nationals in ICE custody underscores the urgent need for immigration reform. Velasco Álvarez’s pursuit of legal action and Mexico’s ongoing dialogue with the U.S. underscore the gravity of the situation and the pressing need for reform. "This is a very important part of our dialogue" with the United States, Velasco Álvarez explained.

Mediation and Collaboration

He said, "Each case is different and there needs to be investigations on each of these. That's what we're looking for. And obviously to have justice when there was any case where there was any legal violation." Velasco Alvarez is seeking dialogue and justice, a step in the right direction.