By Mzoxolo Mpolase
Where uncertainty exists, the search for clarity becomes inevitable—whether in good faith or for more insidious purposes.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the political and policy space, where ambiguity breeds misinformation and allows false narratives to take root.
When people lack concrete information, speculation takes over, often weaponised by those seeking to manipulate public perception.
The ongoing trade war in North America, particularly between the United States and its neighbours, Canada and Mexico, has ushered in a period of volatility.
The Trump administration’s sweeping 25% tariffs, imposed on 4 March 2025, have already prompted swift and forceful retaliation from Canada.
Mexico, however, has taken a more measured approach. Although the country initially vowed to respond in kind, it has deferred immediate action in favour of a crucial diplomatic engagement.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is set to hold a call with US President Donald Trump on Thursday, 6 March 2025, which could determine whether Mexico proceeds with its countermeasures on Sunday, 9 March 2025, negotiates a delay, or tempers its response.
This measured approach has created a vacuum of certainty, and, as history has shown, where information is lacking, misinformation thrives.
In the past few days, a viral post on X has attempted to fill that vacuum with falsehoods, falsely claiming that Mexico has already retaliated in an extreme and unilateral manner:
“Mexico has closed its border to the US due to the #tariffs.”
Accompanying the claim is footage that appears to show the closure of the Tijuana border checkpoint, with the road leading into the US blocked from the Mexican side.
The post, originally shared by user @01CuriousGeorge (https://x.com/01CuriousGeorge/status/1897292342203449763), quickly gained traction, racking up thousands of shares and comments from users convinced that Mexico had taken drastic action in response to the tariffs.
However, a closer look immediately exposes this claim as a fabrication. Firstly, as outlined above, Mexico has yet to implement any official response to the US tariffs.
The government has clearly communicated that its reaction is pending the outcome of Sheinbaum’s conversation with Trump.
It is simply not possible for Mexico to have closed the border in retaliation when no decision on countermeasures has even been finalised.
Secondly, the idea that Mexico would shut down a critical border crossing as a retaliatory move is not only improbable but economically suicidal.
The San Ysidro border checkpoint, operated by US Customs and Border Protection, is one of the busiest land crossings in the world, connecting Tijuana, Mexico, with San Diego, California. It facilitates billions of dollars in trade and the daily movement of thousands of people.
Sealing off this passage would not only harm the US but would deal a devastating blow to Mexico’s own economy, which is deeply reliant on cross-border trade and commerce.
Mexico is not in a position to take such a self-destructive action, nor has there been any indication from its government that it would consider doing so.
Most importantly, the claim is easily debunked with real-time verification. The San Ysidro border crossing remains fully operational, as confirmed by the US Customs and Border Protection website (https://bwt.cbp.gov/details/09250401/POV).
Anyone checking official sources rather than relying on viral misinformation would see that the border remains open, further highlighting how misleading and alarmist the X post is.
While geopolitical tensions can invite extreme speculation, the spread of misinformation in moments of uncertainty only exacerbates public confusion.
Misinformation of this nature is rarely accidental—it often serves an agenda, whether political, financial, or ideological. In this case, it stokes unnecessary fear and amplifies tensions at a time when diplomatic efforts are still unfolding.
Mexico’s response to the US tariffs remains a developing story, but one thing is indisputable: the border is not closed.
