Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum issued a strong warning to the United States on February 20, 2025, stating that her country would not tolerate any “invasion” of its sovereignty, following U.S. actions designating Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations. She also vowed to expand Mexico’s legal action against U.S. gun manufacturers, accusing them of negligence in the sale of firearms that are used by drug traffickers.
In a press conference, Sheinbaum responded to the U.S. designation of eight Latin American drug trafficking groups, including the Jalisco New Generation and Sinaloa cartels, as terrorist organizations. She emphasized that while Mexico is committed to collaboration in fighting cartels, it would never accept interference or subordination to U.S. policies. “It is collaboration and coordination, not invasion,” Sheinbaum asserted.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio attempted to alleviate concerns, reassuring that the U.S. seeks to work in partnership with Mexico to combat drug trafficking, but this failed to ease the tensions. Sheinbaum criticized the U.S. move, noting that it could pave the way for military action, with some even suggesting that cartels could be targeted with drone strikes.
The U.S. has also increased drone surveillance in Mexico, focusing on locations tied to drug production, including fentanyl labs. Sheinbaum revealed that the U.S. has been operating drones in Mexican airspace for years as part of a joint effort to fight drug cartels.
Mexico has long struggled with violent cartels, with weapons from the U.S. being smuggled across the border and used in crimes. Despite the heightened rhetoric, Sheinbaum has stated that Mexico will not wage war on the cartels but is stepping up efforts to combat them. This includes major drug seizures and a heightened military presence along the U.S. border.
The country continues to grapple with cartel violence, which has led to around 480,000 deaths since the military began combat operations against drug trafficking in 2006. Mexico is seeking solutions without sacrificing its national sovereignty, despite increasing pressure from the U.S.
Source : https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2025/02/21/mexico-says-won-t-accept-us-invasion-in-fight-against-cartels_6738406_4.html