Mexico’s president Claudia Sheinbaum will visit Baja California on Friday, stopping in Tijuana and Ensenada during a period of heightened tensions with the U.S. over issues like migration, tariffs and security. This is not Sheinbaum’s first visit to Tijuana as president: She was also in the r egion in October 2024, just weeks after assuming office, when she inspected infrastructure projects and participated in various public events. On this occasion, her agenda includes a morning news conference, as well as ribbon-cuttings at an elevated viaduct and a new university, both in Tijuana. Later, the president will head to Ensenada, where she will unveil a social program. Migration and tariffs at the heart of bilateral tensions The visit comes at a particularly sensitive time for U.S.-Mexico relations, marked by new challenges since the return of President Donald Trump to the White House. One of the most significant factors is the tightening of U.S. immigration policies, which continue to have a profound daily impact on both sides of the border, especially in areas like San Diego and Tijuana. The new measures include stricter asylum regulations and the return of applicants to Mexican territory, exacerbating political and humanitarian pressures along the border region. Adding to this is the recurring U.S. threat of tariffs on Mexican goods, a possibility that has raised alarm in the area, particularly within the business sector, due to concerns about rising prices and potential disruptions to cross-border trade. Trump Administration Nov 3, 2025 Trump administration is planning new mission in Mexico against cartels, U.S. officials say News Jul 31, 2025 Trump extends Mexico's 25% tariffs for 90 days as talks continue News Mar 4, 2025 Trump's tariffs could quickly cut North American auto production by a third Threat of military intervention Another highly controversial issue in recent months has been Trump’s veiled threat of a military intervention in Mexico to combat drug cartels. “The cartels are running Mexico,” Trump said. “It’s very sad what happens to that country. We’re going to start striking on the ground when it comes to the cartels.” In response to these threats against trade and national sovereignty, Sheinbaum — who has described her relationship with Trump as “torturous”— has maintained a focus on dialogue, collaboration and cooperation, all while firmly defending Mexican sovereignty and categorically rejecting any possibility of foreign military intervention. Mobility and social programs During her visit, Sheinbaum is expected to celebrate the completion of an elevated roadway, a project of great regional significance. Mobility in the binational San Diego-Tijuana zone is a key concern for the local population, especially the business community, which has been calling for improvements to border crossings for years to ease the flow of goods and people. Greater efficiency in cross-border mobility could lead to smoother, more competitive commercial exchanges, with direct benefits to the regional economy. The presidential visit to Baja California will conclude in Ensenada, where Sheinbaum will present her Wellness Program, which was designed to strengthen and expand the reach of federal social programs while promoting broader access to housing, basic services, education and health care. ...read more read less