U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), joined by fellow members of the Texas delegation, participated in a bipartisan Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to Mexico City. The delegation, led by Rep. Michael McCaul (TX-10), engaged in discussions with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and other officials concerning the unprecedented surge of migration at the US-Mexico border.
During the meetings, Dr. Cuellar expressed the urgency of collaborative efforts between the United States and Mexico to tackle the historic migration surge before it reaches the US border. He, alongside Reps. Michael McCaul, Randy Weber, and Tony Gonzalez, emphasized the need for proactive measures in addressing the challenges faced at the border.
“I have long said that the United States cannot continue playing defense on the 1-yard line known as the US-Mexico border,” said Dr. Cuellar. “We must work with Mexico to address this historic surge of migration before migrants arrive at the US border. I am pleased to have been able to raise these topics with President López Obrador and Foreign Minister Bárcena, and I look forward to working with our ally to address this crisis. Thank you to Chairman McCaul for your leadership in organizing this CODEL.”
The delegation engaged in discussions with President López Obrador, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alicia Bárcena, and Mexican Navy officials, focusing on urging Mexico to play a more significant role in addressing the border crisis. In addition to migration challenges, talks also covered strategies to boost trade between the United States and Mexico and the imperative to maintain security and stability throughout the Western Hemisphere.
Dr. Cuellar underscored the importance of coordinating cross-border infrastructure projects that facilitate increased commerce, trade, and economic development in both Texas and Mexico. With Mexico being Texas’s top trading partner, accounting for an estimated $285.6 billion in trade in 2022, the discussions aimed at fostering collaboration to address mutual concerns and strengthen the bilateral relationship.
The United States and Mexico, as major trading partners, exchanged an estimated $855.1 billion worth of goods and services in 2022. The visit emphasized the necessity of continued cooperation to navigate challenges at the border and promote economic prosperity for both nations.
