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In the bustling town of Nogales, Mexico, life unfolds against a backdrop of shifting border security policies under the Trump administration. Local business owners and residents discuss the evolving landscape of crime, migration patterns, and border crossings, revealing a community in transition.
Filiberto, a photography business owner situated near the entry point into the United States, recently spoke about the decline in drug trafficking. He noted that, unlike in previous years, there is now a significant reduction in these illicit activities. “Drug trafficking has been controlled a lot, there’s barely any now. It’s not like it used to be,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Juan, who runs a local eatery, shared similar sentiments. In a conversation with a news outlet, he remarked, “We’ve gone through very tough times because, although right now — this past year, these last two years — there’s been some calm in terms of insecurity, in earlier times we had a lot of problems.” His reflections indicate an ongoing struggle as the community adapts to new realities.
Angelica, a local flower shop owner, also weighed in on the changes surrounding them. “I don’t know if it’s the same or worse — in truth, I don’t know. But there’s a lot that’s very bad,” she said. While she expresses that her immediate surroundings are peaceful, she acknowledges the broader concerns within the community.
The perspectives of local residents vary significantly. Some attribute the improved conditions to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, while others express how changing U.S. leadership has affected relations between the two nations.
Border Security Under Trump: Local Preparations
Inquiries regarding how border security updates under President Donald Trump have influenced Nogales resulted in numerous residents mentioning the construction of shelters, which were established in anticipation of significant deportation waves. Filiberto noted the excessive preparations undertaken. “Many measures were taken here to [prepare] for Trump’s announcement… that a wave of people would come,” he said.
He further explained that these shelters, which were built to accommodate expected numbers of deportees, often sat nearly empty. “Well-equipped shelters were built, and they were practically empty — 10, 15, 30 people a day. So they dismantled them. I think now they don’t exist anymore or they were reduced, because it wasn’t what they threatened it would be,” he added.
Juan Francisco Gim Nogales, the mayor of the border city, echoed Filiberto’s observations in a previous interview. He stated, “We receive 60 migrants on average. So, nothing to do with the number we expected and with all the infrastructure we prepared.” This sentiment reflects a shared community outlook on the relative calm experienced in recent years.
Calm in the Face of Stronger Security
Juan, the food vendor, reported a notable change in the dynamics of crossing the border. “There aren’t as many people wanting to cross the border anymore… There used to be a lot, but things have calmed down a lot,” he mentioned. He gave credit to the vigilant presence of the National Guard along the Mexico-U.S. border, suggesting that this increased oversight has contributed to the decrease in migrant caravans.
Long-term resident Filiberto reflected on how customs and crossings evolved over the last thirty years. He recalls a time when seamless movement between countries was the norm. “There was a lot of camaraderie, a sense of community. We used to cross into the U.S. without a problem, two, three, four, five times a day — without any obstacles. The problem started when the U.S. began putting up barriers, both for visa procedures and even for crossing,” he stated.
Discussions about Trump’s border strategy yielded insights into how it affected local sentiment towards crossing. Many residents noted that new security measures led to smaller crowds and significantly shorter lines at ports of entry. “I think maybe fewer people are crossing, but there are still some. Many people don’t stop trying,” Angelica remarked.
The Changing Aspirations of a Community
Mario, a local store owner, conveyed a shift in perspectives about seeking opportunities in the U.S. “There are not that many people that want to cross anymore. With what Trump is doing, people are starting to think about going back or staying put,” he observed. This sentiment reflects a profound impact of U.S. immigration policies on individual aspirations.
A new entrepreneur setting up a storefront brought a fresh perspective to the discussion. “The border is very well guarded,” she noted. However, she acknowledged that the desire for a better life continues to drive many to seek opportunities in the U.S. “People always want a better life, thinking that the U.S. is better,” she concluded.
A Community in Transition
The residents of Nogales find themselves at a crossroads, grappling with the implications of new border policies and the evolving landscape around them. Their perspectives offer a unique glimpse into how local lives intersect with national security efforts and immigration regulations. With each passing year, as politics continues to shape the border experience, the voices of Nogales provide a valuable narrative about resilience and adaptation.
