Kristi Noem Announces Steel Purchase to Reinforce the Border Wall and Sheinbaum Responds: “We Build Bridges, Not Walls”

• US-Mexico border wall reinforced with steel
• Mexico rejects walls
• Debate over migration and security

The reinforcement of the border wall between the United States and Mexico has once again reignited political and diplomatic debate between the two countries.

US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced the purchase of steel to strengthen the US Mexico border wall along the southern border, while Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded with a clear message from the National Palace:

“We build bridges, we do not build walls.”

The exchange marks a new chapter in a discussion that has been present for years, but is now regaining momentum in the context of migration, security, and the fight against fentanyl trafficking.

United States Reinforces the Border Wall With New Steel to Curb Fentanyl and Illegal Migration

The US Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, reported the purchase of steel for the wall along the border with Mexico.

According to her statement, the objective is to reinforce the US Mexico border wall with additional steel to curb fentanyl trafficking and illegal migration into US territory.

The announcement was made under the argument that a stronger physical barrier would help contain the entry of drugs and irregular border crossings.

This measure adds to other actions adopted in recent years by the United States to strengthen its southern border through physical barriers and additional control mechanisms.

The reinforcement of the wall once again places the border issue at the center of the bilateral agenda, especially at a time when both governments maintain dialogue on security and migration matters, although with different approaches on how to address these challenges.

Sheinbaum Draws a Clear Line: “We Build Bridges, Not Walls”

President Claudia Sheinbaum’s response to Kristi Noem came during her morning press conference this Thursday, February 12, according to official information released by the federal government.

From that platform, she reiterated Mexico’s longstanding position regarding the construction of border walls.

During her remarks, she recalled a recent tour of Tijuana, Baja California, where she led the inauguration of vehicular bridges as part of urban infrastructure projects.

In that context, she stated:

“I say: we build bridges, we do not build walls.”

With that phrase, the president made clear the difference between her government’s strategy and the one announced by the United States.

While the US side is moving to reinforce the US Mexico border wall with new steel, Mexico insists on promoting infrastructure that connects communities and improves internal mobility.

Mexico’s Official Position on Migration and Bilateral Cooperation

Beyond the headline-making phrase, Sheinbaum explained that Mexico maintains a policy based on cooperation and a humanitarian approach to migration.

She emphasized that the bilateral relationship must be grounded in dialogue and mutual respect, even when there are differences in how border challenges are addressed.

In her words:

“That has always been the position of the Mexican government. It is very important, because regardless of political parties, that has always been the opinion of the Mexican government, and we uphold it. They do it within their own territory.”

With this statement, the president underscored that each country makes decisions within its own territory, but that Mexico will not change its historic stance regarding the construction of walls as a solution to migration.

What This Debate Means for the Mexico-United States Relationship

The exchange of positions confirms that the issue of the wall will remain a sensitive point in the bilateral relationship.

For readers, the debate goes beyond a single infrastructure project; it reflects two different visions on how to address migration and border security.

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On one hand, the United States is betting on strengthening the physical barrier as a tool to contain fentanyl trafficking and illegal migration.

On the other, Mexico continues to advocate for a strategy centered on cooperation and humanitarian attention.

In the coming months, this issue is likely to remain on the bilateral agenda, particularly due to its impact on migration, security, and trade between the two countries.

SOURCE: El Imparcial