Sheinbaum Slams Border Closure on Cattle Imports

Claudia Sheinbaum takes her presidential oath

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has criticized the U.S. for closing the border to cattle imports, calling the move excessive. She argued that the decision was based on a single detected case of New World screwworm (NWS) in Veracruz. Sheinbaum urged the U.S. to provide stronger evidence before imposing such trade restrictions.

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Sheinbaum stated, “From our point of view, they took a completely exaggerated decision in closing the border.” She added, “We're no one's piñata.”

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Sheinbaum said, “We aren't going to cover for anyone...but they need to prove that money laundering actually happened—not just with words, but with strong evidence.” She also stated, “That's not evidence of wrongdoing—it's trade.”

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The USDA closed areas to protect American livestock and prevent the spread of the New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax). This parasitic fly is known to cause severe livestock injuries.

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U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated, “The United States has promised to be vigilant—and after detecting this new NWS case, we are pausing the planned port reopening's to further quarantine and target this deadly pest in Mexico."

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Rollins added, "We must see additional progress combatting NWS in Veracruz and other nearby Mexican states in order to reopen livestock ports along the Southern border. Thanks to the aggressive monitoring by USDA staff in the U.S. and in Mexico, we have been able to take quick and decisive action to respond to the spread of this deadly pest.”

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National Cattlemen's Beef Association CEO Colin Woodall stated, “A key part of USDA's strategy for protecting American agriculture is continuously monitoring conditions on the ground. Rollins has been working to balance the economic needs of U.S. cattle producers who rely on imports while at the same time protecting the overall U.S. cattle herd."

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Woodall said, "The New World screwworm's northward movement jeopardizes the safety of American agriculture, which is why Rollins paused cattle movement again until we can push the screwworm further from our border.”

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U.S. institutions have been barred from dealings with the sanctioned firms within 21 days. Sheinbaum defended Mexico’s financial ties to China as part of expanding trade and has disputed allegations of criminal links.

Roger Anderson covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.