Trump Victory Leads to Higher Migrant Border Crossing Fees by Mexican Cartels
EAGLE PASS, Texas — Human smugglers in Mexico have increased their rates for crossing migrants into the United States, as the obstacles to reaching the Southwest border become more pronounced. Various factors contribute to this rise in smuggling fees, including the outcomes of the recent presidential election.
According to sources from Mexico, the victory of Donald Trump and the expected tightening of border access for migrants have significantly influenced these fee hikes.
Migrants seeking refuge at a charity shelter in Sonora, Mexico, reported to the staff that the smuggling fee has doubled. A report from Excelsior, one of Mexico City’s oldest newspapers, detailed that the basic cost for guided crossings has escalated from $5,000 to a minimum of $10,000. This increase is attributed to the enhanced difficulty of crossing the border after Trump’s election.
The shelter staff, located on the Mexican side of the border adjacent to Arizona, indicated that they received this information from African, Asian, and Central American migrants eager to cross. The fee increase was first observed during the summer months when U.S. enforcement actions and policies aimed at reducing asylum opportunities were introduced. Migrants have also highlighted Trump’s election as a key factor in their struggles with rising smuggling rates.
Notably, the report from Excelsior mentioned that smugglers could charge significantly higher fees for additional services. For instance, using vehicles to cross private land in Mexico or traveling through Sonora to reach the Arizona border can cost between $15,000 and $20,000.
This fee hike reported by Excelsior is specific to movement throughout Mexico leading to the immediate U.S. border region. On a global scale, migrant smugglers often charge higher prices for individuals who journey from farther distances to reach the Southwest border. For example, migrants from China frequently incur some of the highest crossing fees.
Migrants who make the journey from China often report fees as high as $55,000 for smuggling into the U.S., particularly among military-age males. Reports indicate that over 24,000 migrants from the People’s Republic of China were apprehended crossing the Southwest border into the United States in fiscal year 2023. Additionally, individuals from North African and Middle Eastern countries, categorized as Special Interest Aliens, also pay substantial fees for similar reasons.
The increase in fees reflects broader trends in migrant crossings and highlights the challenges faced by those attempting to reach a safer life in the United States. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the implications for migration patterns and smuggling activities will likely remain a point of concern for both U.S. and Mexican authorities.
