Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum responded strongly to statements by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who included Mexico on a list of “foreign adversaries” along with Iran, Russia and China.
Bondi argued that Mexico allows the operation of drug cartels that facilitate the trafficking of fentanyl into the United States. Sheinbaum described these claims as unfounded and unsubstantiated.
Statements by U.S. Attorney Pam Bondi
During a hearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee on the 2026 budget, Bondi said:
“We will not be intimidated and we will keep America safe. Not just from Iran, but from Russia, China and Mexico. From any foreign adversary that is trying to kill us physically, or by overdosing our children, with drugs”.
These statements generated concern in Mexico due to their tone and content.
In her morning conference on June 26, Sheinbaum responded: “No, what the Secretary of the Department of Justice (Bondi) said is unsubstantiated”.
The president suggested that Bondi “is not very well informed” about the real situation and stressed that Mexico is not an adversary of the United States.
Bilateral context: recent tensions with Mexico
These statements come against a backdrop of tensions between the two countries. Recently, the US Treasury Department sanctioned three Mexican financial institutions -CIBanco, Intercam Banco and Vector Casa de Bolsa- for alleged money laundering linked to fentanyl trafficking.
Sheinbaum criticized these sanctions, arguing that no concrete evidence has been presented and that Mexican investigations have only found administrative infractions that have already been sanctioned.
In addition, the National Banking and Securities Commission (CNBV) temporarily intervened in CIBanco and Intercam to protect customers and guarantee the stability of the financial system.
President Claudia Sheinbaum’s position: cooperation without subordination.
Sheinbaum has reiterated her commitment to a relationship of respect and cooperation with the United States, based on principles of sovereignty and non-subordination.
On several occasions, he has emphasized that Mexico will not allow foreign interference and that any collaboration must be on an equal footing.
The president has also proposed to her U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump, a “comprehensive agreement” covering security, migration and trade, with a special focus on recognizing and protecting Mexicans living in U.S. territory.
La presidenta de México ha fijado una postura sobre que la relación con Estados Unidos debe ser seria y recíproca en todos los temas que competen a las dos naciones
Will Latinos be affected?
Buzzy
Bondi’s statements and Sheinbaum’s response have significant implications for the Hispanic community in the United States.
The perception of Mexico as a foreign adversary can influence immigration and security policies that directly affect Mexicans and Latinos in general.
It is essential that this community be informed and actively participate in the political dialogue to defend their rights and promote a bilateral relationship based on respect and collaboration.
In short, while diplomatic tensions between Mexico and the United States persist, Sheinbaum’s stance seeks to maintain a constructive and equitable relationship, categorically rejecting any attempt to characterize Mexico as a threat to its northern neighbor.
Here you can watch the video of President Claudia Sheinbaum’s response to Pam Bondi.
Find out more at ‘QueOnnda.com’.
