Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, categorically denied on April 16 that her government fears drug trafficking cartels, in reaction to statements made by US President Donald Trump, who suggested otherwise in an interview with Fox News. In said conversation, the US president assured that “Mexico is very, very afraid of the cartels”, also affirming that they control close to 40% of Mexican territory.
“What we have always said and will always maintain as a principle of government is that there is coordination, there is collaboration, information is shared, but without subordination,” Sheinbaum responded from the National Palace.
Mexico rejects intervention
The president stressed that her administration maintains open and effective channels of dialogue with the United States.
But he made it clear that security cooperation must respect national sovereignty.
Sheinbaum explained that even the recent US surveillance overflights of Mexican territory – to track cartel members – were conducted at the request of the Mexican government itself.
“They always want to intervene more, but that’s up to the acting president.”
“And in this case, our government acts with autonomy, clarity and responsibility,” Sheinbaum said.
Increasing pressure from the U.S.
Trump’s statements are part of a hardening US discourse on border security and drug trafficking.
His administration has promoted the installation of a military base on the common border.
The president stressed that her administration maintains open and effective channels of dialogue with the United States
QueOnnda.com
Recently, it classified six Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations:
CJNG, Sinaloa, Gulf, Northwest, Familia Michoacana and United Cartels.
This has generated concern in diplomatic and legal sectors, since this designation could open the door to future unilateral interventions under the pretext of combating terrorism.
Operation Northern Border
Buzzy
In response to immigration and security pressures, the Mexican government has deployed more than 10,000 National Guard elements to the border zone since February 5.
During this period, 2,481 people have been arrested and more than 26 tons of drugs have been confiscated.
Including 163 kilograms of fentanyl, one of the substances of most concern to U.S. authorities due to its high lethal power.
Sheinbaum concluded her position by reiterating that Mexico will continue to fight organized crime with its own institutions, without accepting external impositions.
“The operation inside Mexico will always be in charge of Mexican forces. We collaborate, yes, but we do not accept subordination,” he concluded.
This episode confirms that the bilateral relationship between Mexico and the United States, although strong, is going through moments of tension and redefinition, especially on sensitive issues such as security and drug trafficking.
For more information, visit QueOnnda.com.
