The Mexican government has strongly pushed back against reports suggesting that US President Donald Trump wants to deploy the US military to battle cartels operating in Mexico. Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized her commitment to protecting Mexico’s sovereignty, stating that any US military actions would need to be coordinated with Mexican forces. This stance comes amid reports that US officials have issued ultimatums to Mexico, demanding the dismantling of cartels or facing the full weight of US power.
Sheinbaum’s government has instead intensified its fight against cartels, conducting high-level arrests and drug busts in Sinaloa, home to the powerful Sinaloa Cartel. Notably, Mexican authorities seized over 20 million doses of fentanyl in December, their largest synthetic opioid bust to date. The Mexican government has also begun sending top cartel operatives wanted by US authorities to the US.
The US and Mexico are engaged in discussions about a security agreement, with a draft framework focusing on more arrests of cartel leaders and the establishment of Mexican units vetted by US law enforcement to tackle issues like money laundering and drug operations. However, the possibility of US military action against Mexican cartels remains a point of contention, with some US officials advocating for unilateral military action and others pushing for a stronger partnership with the Mexican government.
The CIA has increased secret drone flights over Mexico, sharing intelligence with Mexican authorities, while the US military’s Northern Command is enhancing border surveillance. Despite these efforts, analysts warn that pushing Mexico too hard could jeopardize decades of cooperation between the two countries.
