Washington:US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Mexico, threatening to "immediately" double tariffs unless Mexican authorities halt what he described as large migrant caravans advancing toward the southern US border.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Trump made the announcement on his social media platform, Truth Social, emphasizing that there would be "no leniency" if Mexico fails to act. He linked the alleged surge at the border to the recent midterm elections, where Democrats gained control of both chambers of Congress and several key state governorships, suggesting this has led to an "invasion" resuming due to a "perceived loss by the Republicans."

Trump alleged that "huge caravans" are organizing and beginning an "illegal march through Mexico," accusing foreign nations of sending unwanted individuals to the US, insisting they "will not be accepted." He stated that Mexican officials, along with US Border Patrol and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), have been informed of his warning, which also targeted Texas leadership, including the state's incoming Democratic Governor, Gina Hinojosa.

The Mexican government has yet to respond to Trump's tariff threat or his claims about migrant movements. This warning is consistent with Trump's enforcement-first strategy on migration, focusing on restricting entry, limiting asylum access, and expanding detentions and deportations. After assuming office, Trump declared a national border emergency and resumed border wall construction, deploying National Guard and active-duty personnel to the southern border.

While this approach has reduced border encounters, it has faced criticism for the deportation of noncriminal migrants and detention conditions. Concurrently, Washington has pressured Mexico and regional countries to stop migrants before reaching the US, often using trade penalties as leverage.