What’s New This Week

Good morning, this week, Mexico rejects U.S. military intervention, Trump’s tariffs threaten food prices, and Canada faces political crosshairs. We explore border infrastructure upgrades, the rise of U.S. manufacturing, and the risks of denaturalization policies. From trade to security, we break down the biggest shifts shaping North America.

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Trade Winds

Infrastructure Investment at the Border—Progress, Bottlenecks, and Solutions

When it comes to U.S.-Mexico trade, infrastructure is the backbone of economic growth. Ports of entry, highways, and railways dictate the efficiency of supply chains and the success of nearshoring strategies. Billions of dollars in goods flow between both countries daily, yet bottlenecks—whether in outdated facilities, underfunded projects, or bureaucratic red tape—continue to hinder progress.

Progress in Key Projects

Major investments are in motion. The recently expanded Otay Mesa East border crossing in California promises faster trade processing, while the Laredo-Colombia Solidarity Bridge expansion aims to alleviate congestion at one of the busiest land ports in North America. Arizona is also seeing significant upgrades at Nogales and Douglas, designed to facilitate commercial trade. Private and public partnerships are fueling these projects, but delays in funding and construction still slow momentum.

Power Move

Déjà Vu at the Border: Why Another U.S. Intervention in Mexico Risks Repeating History

From the Mexican–American War to the Punitive Expedition, U.S. interventions in Mexico have left a lasting imprint on bilateral relations. The Mexican–American War (1846–1848) ended with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, ceding vast tracts of Mexican territory and generating persistent mistrust of U.S. military involvement. Decades later, the 1914 Occupation of Veracruz and the 1916–1917 Punitive Expedition, led by General Pershing, reinforced the perception that even limited interventions can have far-reaching diplomatic consequences.

As someone with deep experience in cross-border legal and commercial matters, I have witnessed how historical tensions shape contemporary policy debates. Calls for new U.S. troop deployments into Mexico to target drug cartels overlook these lessons, risking further erosion of trust and jeopardizing critical trade and investment ties.

Instead of repeating past mistakes, a more collaborative framework can address security threats without violating Mexican sovereignty. Joint intelligence-sharing and cross-border task forces have proven effective in targeting high-level cartel networks, especially when combined with training and resources for Mexico’s judicial institutions. Providing modern forensic capabilities and specialized legal support can improve prosecution rates and reduce impunity. Meanwhile, strategic community-based programs create legitimate economic opportunities in vulnerable areas, undercutting the cartels’ recruitment base.

Moreover, investments in advanced detection technology at ports of entry can significantly disrupt drug and weapons trafficking. These practical measures, developed in tandem with Mexican counterparts, respect national sovereignty while focusing on long-term stability. History shows that unilateral military actions rarely produce sustained results. A cooperative, systemic approach is the best way to secure both nations’ interests and honor the complex, deeply interwoven relationship that has evolved along our shared border.

The Border Buzz

How Immigrants Shape the U.S. Food Supply Chain

Having grown up near the U.S.-Mexico border, I’ve long observed how immigrants power the country’s food supply—often without the recognition they deserve. Friends and neighbors who traveled back and forth for work spoke of early mornings in the fields, harvesting everything from lettuce to citrus fruit. This constant movement, bridging two worlds, opened my eyes to the vital roles they play in sustaining our agricultural chain.

Most of these workers hail from Mexico, bringing with them not just labor but also a deep sense of pride. I recall chatting with a family member who helped pick produce for a large farm. She described the dedication it took to keep up with demand and meet strict quality standards. Her experiences mirrored what I heard from others—these long hours and physically demanding tasks form the backbone of the American food system.

The economic benefits are equally evident. Farmers rely on skilled and dependable crews, while immigrants often use their earnings to support loved ones back home. Those remittances stimulate local communities in Mexico, creating a cycle of opportunity on both sides of the border. Growing up, I saw firsthand how these wages could fund a child’s education, pay for a family’s healthcare, or even spark a small business.

Yet, for all the positives, there are significant challenges. Many laborers face legal uncertainties, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. They may contend with limited healthcare, lack of insurance, and, at times, a sense of isolation. I remember one neighbor who avoided seeking medical attention due to fears about her immigration status, underscoring the anxiety that often overshadows their resilience.

Even so, the cultural ties remain strong. Every fresh fruit or vegetable on my table is a reminder of the interconnectedness that defines our region. Recognizing these essential contributions and advocating for fair, secure pathways for all involved will not only enhance our shared culinary heritage, but also strengthen the communities that thrive on cross-border collaboration.

Power Poll

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