Description: As a barrage of executive orders swarmed the White House, US President Donald Trump announced a national emergency on the Mexico border, prompting US Armed forces to deploy and assist the DHS (Department of Homeland Security). Among the other executive orders, he also designated drug cartels as terrorist organizations and pledged to end the birthright citizenship law in the US. Operational measures have already been undertaken as all migrating towards the US were stopped at border crossings and enhanced patrol activities of the border police and ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents were noticed.
Impact: Trump’s controversial executive orders sent shockwaves across the world as he tackled several issues in a way that could be labeled isolationist, conservative and volatile. The executive orders regarding migrants and drug cartels being specifically addressed to Mexico could stem a migration crisis alongside the border and tighten relations between the two countries. The designation of drug cartels as terrorist organizations enables the US armed forces to intervene within Mexican territory which has been severely criticized by Mexican government officials. Cross – border tensions will rise in the upcoming period as many migrants face uncertainty while threats of US armed interventions in the future spell economic and diplomatic conflicts between the US and Mexico.