Readout of President Joe Biden’s call with President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador of Mexico

President Joseph R. Biden Jr. spoke today with President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador of Mexico. The two leaders discussed their ongoing efforts to strengthen the U.S.-Mexico bilateral relationship, including the importance of enhancing cooperation between the United States and Mexico to manage unprecedented migration in the region. Toward that end, they discussed continued close coordination between border authorities and strong enforcement measures, in preparation for the return to full reliance on Title 8 immigration authorities at the U.S.-Mexico border, which carry steeper consequences for those removed than expulsion under Title 42. Both leaders underscored the value of managing migration in a humane and orderly fashion with expanded legal pathways and consequences for irregular migration. They also affirmed their shared commitment to address the root causes of migration from Central America and discussed expanding our two nations’ joint efforts. They discussed the urgency of effectively reducing crowding in northern Mexico. The two leaders affirmed that after May 11th, they will continue to implement the successful joint initiative which, over four months, achieved a 95 percent drop in border encounters of individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela at the U.S.-Mexico border.

President Biden and President Lopez Obrador also acknowledged recent positive developments in other areas of bilateral cooperation, including enhanced and accelerated efforts to counter illicit fentanyl and arms trafficking by dismantling criminal networks. President Biden committed to using all available tools to address arms trafficking and reduce the flow of firearms into Mexico. The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to modernize the shared border and promote inclusive economic growth.

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