Mexican President Reacts to US Southern Border Shutting Down Following Screwworm Threat

Border ports will only be reopened if there is ‘additional progress’ in combating these pests in Mexico, said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum speaks during her daily press conference at the National Palace in Mexico City on Feb. 3, 2025. Yuri Cortez / AFP

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum criticized the United States’ decision to shut down the U.S.–Mexico border following the detection of a new incidence of New World screwworm (NWS) flesh-eating pests.

“From our point of view, it is a totally exaggerated decision to close the border again,” Sheinbaum said during a Thursday morning press conference.