The US-Mexico border region has experienced a notable decline in migrant activity under President Donald Trump's policies. In the sector around San Luis, Arizona, the Border Patrol now apprehends fewer than 10 people per day, a sharp decline from the up to 2,000 per day under the previous administration. This decrease has brought a sense of relief to local residents, including some Democrats who had struggled with the scope of the humanitarian crisis.
Despite the calm, many residents are concerned about the economic impacts of Trump's policies. The increased cost of diesel fuel, attributed to the conflict in Iran, has affected farmworkers like Ricardo Vasquez, who now pays more than 20 percent more for diesel. This has led to frustration among locals, with Vasquez stating that the country was not doing so badly before Trump arrived. The rising costs are also affecting farmers like Mike Pasquinelli, who expects a 20 percent reduction in profits compared to the previous year.
The agricultural sector, a primary producer of lettuce and other vegetables in the region, is feeling the strain. Pasquinelli, president of the Yuma Fresh Vegetables Association, has had to contend with a drop in orders due to tensions linked to the trade war with Canada, a major destination for his vegetable exports. The instability has also taken a toll on the logistics sector, with Mario Jauregui, a conservative business owner, expressing frustration with the uncertainty caused by tariffs and the Trump administration's policies.
The logistics sector, another key employer in the region, is facing setbacks due to the Trump administration's policies. Jauregui's refrigerated warehouses, located right up against the border wall, have seen a fifth decrease in the volume of fruit his clients ship between Mexico and the United States. The industry is also facing challenges because the Trump administration has stopped issuing commercial vehicle permits to certain foreign drivers.
Local business owners, like Jauregui, are calling for more stability and predictability in the management of the country. Jauregui, a 66-year-old Republican voter, has expressed hope that Trump's Republican Party loses its congressional majority in the upcoming midterm elections. He believes that a Democratic Congress and a Republican president would be a better combination for the country.
The sense of relief among locals is palpable, even among Democrats, who sometimes struggled with the scope of the humanitarian crisis. Churches and community organizations provided food and shelter for thousands of people in transit, while the hospital in Yuma, the county seat, was completely overwhelmed. However, the return of calm masks a new sense of unease among the residents of this agricultural region.
As the midterm elections approach, residents like Jauregui are hoping for a change in the balance of power in Congress. The economic impacts of Trump's policies have been significant, and locals are eager for a more stable and predictable future. The US-Mexico border region will continue to be an important area to watch in the coming months, as the effects of Trump's policies continue to unfold.
Key points
- The US-Mexico border has seen a significant decrease in migrants and increased stability under Trump's policies.
- Locals are worried about economic impacts, including increased costs of diesel fuel and decreased profits for farmers.
- The logistics sector is facing setbacks due to the Trump administration's policies, including tariffs and restrictions on commercial vehicle permits.
