Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild has invited Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto to visit the Old Pueblo.
The invitation, in a signed letter, came days after the Mexican president cancelled a planned visit to Washington, D.C., to meet with President Trump after Trump declared his intentions to expand the border wall and make Mexico pay for it.
Rothschild invited Peña Nieto to come at his convenience to meet with local and state leaders.
The invitation stresses the strong economic ties the city has with Mexico, while also reminding Peña Nieto the city has long fought against mass deportations as well as the implementation of the state’s controversial anti-immigration law, SB 1070.
“We have touted our city’s friendly relationship with Mexico as a selling point for businesses that may wish to locate here, and we welcome Mexican visitors. Building a wall or increasing tariffs sends the wrong message about the importance of the relationship between our two countries, which is based on, among other things, mutual cooperation and respect,” the letter to Peña Nieto reads.
Rothschild said it is important that Mexico knows Tucson is opposed to steps taken by the Trump administration.
“We want the leaders of Mexico to know that many in our country believe the recent actions are wrong, will lead to negative effects on our economy and that Mexican visitors are always welcome in our city. We remain one mega-region and one mega-economy,” Rothschild said.
City Council members support the invitation.
The letter was first suggested by Councilman Steve Kozachik last week, shortly after the proposed in-person meeting between the two presidents was cancelled.
He thanked Rothschild for drafting the letter.
“In this state we’re often alone, but always a leader in terms of recognizing the importance of our relationship with Mexico. Culturally and economically, there’s nothing good that can come from building walls. I’d have hoped an invitation like this would have come from the governor’s office, but good for Jonathan for taking the lead,” Kozachik said.
Councilwoman Regina Romero said it was important for Tucson to tell Mexican officials what Tucson stands for. “It is important to distinguish ourselves from the rest of the state and the Republican Congress,” Romero said.
Councilwoman Karin Uhlich said she was pleased the mayor was taking the initiative to reach out to Peña Nieto.
Councilman Richard Fimbres said the current political climate has made some in the community concerned for their safety.
He echoed Uhlich’s concerns about how the strained relationship between Mexico and new administration could affect the local economy. He noted former Tucson Mayor Bob Walkup went to several Mexican communities after the passage of SB 1070 to reassure Mexican businesses and tourists.
Councilwoman Shirley Scott said the letter benefits both communities in understanding Tucson’s commitment as an immigrant-welcoming city.
