Trump's tariff delay is 'opportunity' for Mexico: Ex-DEA chief

President Trump's 30-day pause on tariff threats against Mexico is a "step in the right direction" in strengthening the border, according to Ray Donovan, the former chief of operations for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

"We have 30 days before the president is going to see if there are any advancements in this agreement," Donovan said Monday on "Elizabeth Vargas Reports."

"It's short-term, but I see it as a reset and opportunity for Mexico to go after the cartels," he added.

Donovan oversaw the capture of Joaquin Guzman, also known as "El Chapo," the notorious head of the Sinaloa drug cartel.

In a post to Truth Social, Trump said he had spoken to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and negotiated assistance from Mexico to strengthen the United States' border sovereignty and deter drug trafficking into the country.

"It was a very friendly conversation wherein she agreed to immediately supply 10,000 Mexican Soldiers on the Border separating Mexico and the United States," the president wrote.

Sheinbaum also commented on the accord via social platform social platform X and, during a Monday morning news conference, said it was a "good conversation" with the president that lasted around 30 to 45 minutes.

She confirmed 10,000 members of Mexico's National Guard will be at the U.S. southern border, adding that the U.S. will work "to prevent the trafficking of high-powered weapons to Mexico."

She added that efforts would begin immediately regarding security and trade between both nations.

The move comes after concessions made by Colombia following Trump's threat of tariffs on the South American country for initially refusing to allow deported migrants to return via U.S. military aircraft.

NewsNation's Patrick Djordjevic contributed to this report.

NewsNation is owned by Nexstar Media Group, which also owns The Hill.

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