The President’s Order to Address Threats at the Southern Border
On February 3, 2025, the President of the United States issued an executive order to address the threats posed by Mexican drug trafficking organizations, human traffickers, criminals, and illicit drugs. This order was based on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the National Emergencies Act, and other relevant statutes.
Background
The President’s order stems from the failure of Mexico to address the threats posed by criminal organizations and illicit activities that have a significant impact on the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States. To combat this threat, the President invoked his authority under the IEEPA to impose tariffs on Mexican products.
Immediate Steps
Following the issuance of the executive order, the Government of Mexico took immediate steps to address the crisis at the southern border. While these steps were viewed as cooperative actions, further assessment was deemed necessary to determine if they were sufficient to alleviate the threats.
Pause
As a result of the steps taken by the Government of Mexico, the additional tariffs that were set to be imposed will be paused until March 4, 2025. During this pause, the situation at the southern border will continue to be assessed by relevant government agencies to determine if the threats have abated.
Severability
The executive order includes a provision for severability, ensuring that if any part of the order is deemed invalid, the remaining provisions will still be in effect.
General Provisions
The order reaffirms that it does not impede the authority of executive departments or agencies, nor does it create any substantive or procedural rights enforceable by any party against the United States.
In conclusion, the President’s executive order reflects the ongoing efforts to address the threats posed by criminal organizations and illicit activities at the southern border. By pausing the imposition of tariffs, the government aims to assess the situation and determine the best course of action moving forward.
