USMCA Disputes, Border Enforcement & Global Shifts – What You Need to Know in June 2025

✉️ TCA Law Group – International Legal Insights

June 2025 Edition - Cross-Border Guidance for Families, Business Owners, and Professionals

🇺🇸🇲🇽 USMCA Under Pressure: What You Need to Know

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) remains the backbone of trade across North America—but recent conflicts, global instability, and unresolved disputes are reshaping how the agreement works in practice.

⚡ Energy Dispute: Mexico vs. U.S. and Canada

In July 2022, the U.S. and Canada formally triggered a dispute settlement mechanism under Chapter 31 of USMCA, challenging Mexico’s energy policies. These policies favor Mexican state-owned companies Pemex and CFE, while restricting private and foreign investments in renewable and fossil fuel sectors.

🇺🇸🇨🇦 U.S. & Canada’s Concerns:

• Delays and denials of permits for U.S. and Canadian energy firms

• Electricity dispatch rules that prioritize state-run power

• Rollbacks of prior energy reforms under NAFTA

🇲🇽 Mexico’s Response:

• Defends reforms as sovereignty over national resources

• Claims policies are consistent with its interpretation of USMCA

🔍 Status (June 2025):

• The consultation period has not resolved the conflict

• A dispute panel may be called, opening the door to retaliatory tariffs

• Businesses in energy, logistics, and manufacturing could face cost increases and supply chain delays

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🌍 Global Conflicts, Local Impacts: Iran–Israel Tensions and U.S. Strategy

While the Iran-Israel conflict may seem far away, it affects North America in subtle but serious ways:

1. U.S. trade policy is shifting toward regional sourcing and military readiness

2. North American supply chains are now being prioritized for sensitive goods like semiconductors, defense tech, and rare earth materials

3. Border screenings have tightened, especially for:

   • Travelers from countries with ties to conflict zones

   • Dual nationals under extra review

   • Cargo flagged for advanced screening or delay

     
     

🧠 Takeaway:Even peaceful travelers or exporters from Mexico doing business in the U.S. may experience delays or scrutiny due to shifting U.S. security protocols.

🛂 ICE Enforcement and Immigration Movement (Summer 2025)

Recent months have seen a sharp increase in ICE enforcement, particularly across border states like Texas, Arizona, and California.

🚨 Highlights:

• Worksite raids resumed in June 2025, targeting agriculture, construction, and restaurant industries

• Mixed-status households are at risk, especially those without updated documentation

• Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders and asylum seekers are experiencing:

  
  

  • Delayed case reviews

  • Denials without notice

  • Deportation risks despite long-term residency

    
    

📉 Communities are reporting:

• Labor shortages due to fear of detention

• Economic slowdowns in Latino neighborhoods

• Families avoiding public spaces or even school functions

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🤝 Final Words: What This Means for YOU

Whether you're a Mexican entrepreneur, a binational family, or an employee working across borders, this is a critical moment to protect your interests and operate legally in the U.S. and Mexico.

At TCA Law Group, we specialize in: ✅ U.S. entity formation (LLC, Corporation)✅ Tax ID and U.S. business bank setup✅ Immigration and visa strategy (E-2, TN, family-based)✅ Legal compliance for import/export and service providers✅ Fiscal and legal representation for people living on both sides of the border