“The extent of cooperation currently observed between our two nations is unprecedented in their shared history.”
Such exaggerated statements are common from when addressing a similarly conservative administration. However, it’s less anticipated from his outspoken Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, who spoke very positively about Mexico’s left-leaning government. “Currently,” he further stated at a press briefing in Mexico City earlier this week, “no other government is collaborating with us as extensively in combating crime as the Mexican government. We are extremely grateful to them.”
Sheinbaum, dubbed a “Trump whisperer,” has navigated a delicate balance for months, asserting independence from the U.S. while also on various matters. Yet, concerning drug cartels, the dynamic has shifted. Sheinbaum and Rubio seem to have , and now require their respective nations to follow suit.
Rubio’s trip signifies a notable change in the relationship between the U.S. and Mexico. Previously, the situation was less favorable. The U.S. government had and demands were increasing in Washington for American military action against “narco-terrorist organizations” within Mexico.
This cordiality is particularly striking given the contrasting methods employed elsewhere. The day before Rubio’s arrival, a destroyed what was believed to be a drug trafficking vessel from Venezuela, resulting in 11 fatalities. While Rubio cautioned that similar attacks “will reoccur,” he frequently emphasized “shared responsibility” and “sovereignty” when discussing Mexico. The implication was that both nations would address cartels within their own territories, and that solitary U.S. military actions on Mexican land were not an option.
Both the American and Mexican administrations have consistently aimed to combat influential cartels and tackle criminal activity. However, internal political dynamics in both nations have hindered more extensive collaboration.
A potential crisis nearly erupted for the Trump Administration last month when the DEA “a significant new effort to enhance cooperation … in the battle against cartels.” These remarks, seemingly harmless from an American viewpoint, provoked strong anger in Mexico City. Sheinbaum, appearing visibly irritated at a press conference, refuted the existence of any such agreement and that her government “was unaware of the reason for this announcement.”
The challenge for the Sheinbaum Administration—which has given priority compared to previous governments—is that it likely desires U.S. assistance as . Mexico is to U.S. intelligence collection via drone surveillance over its territory, with the . Nevertheless, the opposition her Administration encountered when these aerial operations became public highlights the contentious nature of the matter.
The Trump Administration also finds itself in a difficult position. Internal U.S. politics could have readily undermined cooperation. in Washington firmly believe that the Mexican government is untrustworthy and potentially allied with cartels. Trump himself has commented on this, that Mexican officials are “too scared to perform their duties because cartels exert immense control over Mexico, its politicians, and elected officials.”
In fact, U.S. law enforcement and intelligence bodies have numerous political figures for their connections to the drug trade. This includes high-ranking members of Sheinbaum’s Morena party and various state governors. For instance, in October, a former Secretary of Public Security from a previous government was in a U.S. prison for accepting cartel bribes. Furthermore, last month, drug lord Ismael Zambada García testified in a New York court that he had consistently bribed Mexican politicians for years to operate unimpeded. The issue of addressing politicians involved with cartels was reportedly a point of contention during the otherwise amicable Sheinbaum-Rubio discussion, according to La Politica Online.
The skepticism regarding Mexican authorities is a primary reason why certain factions in Washington have pushed for independent action. This concern was so significant that the U.S. collaborated last year with the son of the notorious Sinaloa Cartel leader, El Chapo Guzmán, to secretly transfer Zambada, a competing drug lord, into U.S. custody. This perceived violation of sovereignty infuriated Mexicans.
The perception of Mexico as an ungoverned narco-state, as reiterated , has fostered the belief that only singular U.S. military intervention can tackle crime. However, Rubio appears to be a moderating force. This week’s meeting indicates that the U.S. is prepared to extend trust to Mexico’s government. It is also beneficial that Sheinbaum and Trump are said to have a good rapport; they have and he has referred to her as an “.”
The U.S. and Mexico are establishing an improbable alliance concerning their most politically charged issue. Sheinbaum’s detractors will assert this is due to her silent concessions to Trump—reducing migrant numbers, increasing drug confiscations, and accused cartel members to the U.S.
Conversely, others note that if an agreement on security can be achieved, it bodes well for other two-sided matters. Both nations are independently negotiating trade terms after Sheinbaum obtained a in July, along with a more from Trump.
A calm and measured approach, the unofficial guiding principle of the Sheinbaum Administration’s dealings with Trump, appears to be winning out.
