Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild has sent a formal invitation for Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto to visit the Old Pueblo.
The invitation came just days after the Mexican president cancelled a planned visit to Washington, D.C., to meet with President Donald Trump.
The invitation stresses the strong economic relationship the city has with Mexico, while also reminding the Mexican president the city has long fought against mass deportations as well as the implementation of the controversial anti-immigration SB 1070 here in Arizona.
"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 tariff 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.
Mayor Jonathan Rothschild said it is important that Mexican leaders know Tucson is opposed to recent steps taken by the Trump administration.
"We want the leaders of Mexico to know that many in our country believe that 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.
The letter was first suggested by Councilman Steve Kozachik last week, shortly after the proposed in-person meeting between the two presidents was cancelled after Trump announced he wanted to move forward with plans to build a border wall.
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.
