Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has strongly rejected any violation of the country’s sovereignty after the United States designated Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations. She emphasized that while Mexico is open to cooperation, it will not tolerate interventionism or invasion.
US Pressures Mexico on Cartel Crackdown
The Trump administration has escalated efforts to curb illegal drug and migrant flows, threatening 25% tariffs unless Mexico intensifies its crackdown on narcotics. The newly designated terrorist organizations include powerful Mexican cartels such as the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the Sinaloa Cartel.
However, Sheinbaum warned, “They can call them (the cartels) whatever they want, but with Mexico, it is collaboration and coordination, never subordination or interventionism, and even less invasion.”
Legal Action Against US Gun Manufacturers
In response, Mexico is expanding legal action against American gunmakers, accusing them of negligence in the sale of firearms that end up in cartel hands. Sheinbaum indicated that the lawsuit could introduce new charges of “complicity” with terrorist groups.
Drone Surveillance and Military Speculation
Reports suggest that the US has increased secret drone operations over Mexico to locate fentanyl labs. While Washington insists on cooperation, there is rising concern over potential military action. Tech billionaire Elon Musk has even speculated that the terrorist designation could make cartels “eligible for drone strikes.”
The designation has fueled tensions, as Mexico historically resents military threats from its northern neighbor. Sheinbaum has proposed a constitutional reform to reinforce national sovereignty against external intervention.
Canada Joins the US in Terrorist Designations
Canada, facing similar tariff threats from Trump, has followed the US by designating seven drug cartels as “terrorist entities,” including the Gulf Cartel, the Sinaloa Cartel, and MS-13.
Mexico Adjusts Its Strategy
While Sheinbaum has ruled out an all-out war on drug cartels, her administration has abandoned the previous “hugs, not bullets” approach. Mexico has increased major drug seizures, deployed additional troops to the US border, and arrested key cartel figures to ease tensions with Washington.
Escalating Drug-Related Violence
Mexico reports that between 200,000 and 750,000 US-manufactured firearms are smuggled into the country yearly, fueling cartel violence. Despite strict gun control laws, drug-related violence has resulted in approximately 480,000 deaths since 2006.
As diplomatic tensions rise, Mexico continues to balance internal security with international cooperation, resisting external pressures while intensifying its crackdown on organized crime.
