Former Border Agent: Trump Tariffs Would Strengthen Borders
Listen To Story Above
A former Border Patrol agent turned Texas sheriff believes Donald Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada would effectively strengthen border control measures. Sheriff Thaddeus Cleveland of Terrell County shared his insights with Newsmax’s “Wake Up America Weekend.”
Cleveland reflected on Trump’s previous tariff implementation, noting how it prompted unprecedented Mexican border patrol engagement both at the U.S. boundary and along Guatemala’s border. He expressed confidence in Trump’s commitment to follow through on his promises.
Trump is a 'master negotiator' who can bring Mexico 'back to the table': Sheriff Thaddeus Clevelandhttps://t.co/W0SmauAR1c pic.twitter.com/2uKANEwOKP
— Sheriff Thaddeus Cleveland (@SheriffThad) November 29, 2024
The sheriff anticipates Trump’s future administration will place equal emphasis on both the Canadian and Mexican borders, acknowledging America’s crucial role as their primary trade and security partner. However, he stressed that the U.S. must actively seek cooperation from both nations rather than depending on them to resolve border issues independently.
“Canada is primarily a country that we work [with] their Royal Canadian Mounted Police, [with which] we have a trusted partner,” he said. “Unfortunately down in Mexico it’s a country full of corruption … you’re dealing with two different dynamics there, a country we can trust versus a country that is primarily run by the cartels.”
Sheriff Thaddeus Cleveland rips Biden for 'fighting harder' against Texas than cartel smuggling operations.https://t.co/QCTKAcJGXg pic.twitter.com/a1gcE4i5Mz
— Sheriff Thaddeus Cleveland (@SheriffThad) November 25, 2024
Cleveland spoke about the devastating impact of fentanyl on American communities, drawing from his extensive speaking engagements with organizations like the Jack Foundation and the Forever 15 project. He emphasized how the crisis particularly affects young people, noting the similarities between victims and his own children.
The sheriff expressed optimism about Trump’s proposed anti-fentanyl advertising campaign, suggesting that enlisting celebrities and athletes could significantly enhance the message’s effectiveness.
