Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum firmly opposed the U.S. designation of drug cartels as terrorist organizations, warning against any potential infringement on the country’s sovereignty. In response, Sheinbaum announced plans to expand legal action against American gun manufacturers, accusing them of negligence in weapons sales that fuel cartel violence.
U.S. Declares Cartels as Terrorist Organizations
The U.S. government, under President Donald Trump, has escalated pressure on Mexico, targeting illegal drug and migrant flows. Trump recently signed an executive order labeling eight Latin American drug trafficking groups, including the powerful Jalisco New Generation and Sinaloa cartels, as terrorist entities.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the designation would provide additional law enforcement tools to combat the cartels. While the move was framed as a national security measure, it sparked concerns in Mexico about potential military interventions. Tech billionaire Elon Musk even speculated that the terrorist designation could make the cartels “eligible for drone strikes.”
Mexico’s Firm Stance Against Intervention
Sheinbaum emphasized that while collaboration with the U.S. is welcome, Mexico will never accept subordination or interventionism. She reiterated that her government’s legal challenge against American gunmakers could expand to include accusations of complicity with terrorist groups.
Additionally, Mexico is proposing a constitutional reform to reinforce national sovereignty, ensuring protection against unauthorized foreign land, air, or sea operations. The country has historically been wary of U.S. military threats, given past territorial conflicts.
Canada Joins U.S. in Sanctioning Cartels
Following the U.S. decision, Canada also classified seven major drug cartels as terrorist entities, including the Gulf Cartel, Sinaloa Cartel, and Jalisco New Generation Cartel. This move aligns with Trump’s broader effort to curb cartel influence across North America.
Changing Strategies in Mexico’s Drug War
Mexico continues its efforts to curb cartel activities while trying to maintain diplomatic relations with the U.S. Despite previous efforts to address root causes of crime through social programs, Sheinbaum has shifted focus, increasing drug seizures and deploying more troops along the U.S. border.
Recent law enforcement actions include the arrest of two key figures in the Sinaloa Cartel, including a high-ranking security officer. Meanwhile, reports suggest that U.S. surveillance drones have been conducting secret operations over Mexico to track fentanyl labs, further intensifying tensions between the two nations.
As Mexico stands its ground against U.S. policies, the outcome of these escalating tensions could reshape North American security and trade relations.