Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo has taken a firm stance against the U.S. plan to eliminate Mexican cartels, declaring that Mexico will not accept foreign intervention. Her response follows the United States Department of Justice’s (DOJ) recent directive to dismantle major criminal organizations operating in Mexico, including the Sinaloa Cartel and Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
During a press conference on February 7, 2025, Sheinbaum questioned the U.S. approach to drug policy, shifting the focus to what happens after illegal drugs cross the border into the United States. She emphasized that Mexico is not a colony and will not tolerate intervention, although she reaffirmed the country’s commitment to bilateral cooperation on security matters.
The U.S. Cartel Elimination Plan: What’s at Stake?
On February 6, 2025, the DOJ released a memorandum outlining new measures to combat organized crime, reinforcing President Donald Trump’s national security strategy. The directive includes:
- Designation of major Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations.
- Enhanced law enforcement operations targeting cartel members.
- Potential economic sanctions against countries deemed uncooperative.
- Military and intelligence collaboration to disrupt cartel operations.
According to U.S. officials, these measures are critical to stopping the flow of fentanyl and other synthetic drugs into the country. The DOJ claims that cartels are responsible for thousands of deaths annually due to drug overdoses, with fentanyl-related fatalities reaching record highs in 2024.
Sheinbaum Demands Accountability from the U.S.
In a direct challenge to the U.S. strategy, Sheinbaum called for greater accountability on American soil, questioning how drugs are distributed once they cross the border and who profits from cartel operations within the U.S.
“They have a lot to do in the United States. How does fentanyl or any drug enter? But what happens after the border? Who distributes it? Who sells it in American cities? Where does the money go?”
She also pointed to the influx of U.S.-manufactured firearms into Mexico, which have fueled cartel violence. She demanded that Washington take responsibility for its role in the arms trade, emphasizing that many of the weapons used by cartels are illegally trafficked from the U.S.
The Growing U.S.-Mexico Trade Dispute
In addition to security concerns, the U.S.-Mexico trade relationship has been strained by the issue of fentanyl trafficking. The Trump administration has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on Mexican goods, arguing that Mexico must do more to curb drug production and smuggling.
However, after a high-level phone call between Sheinbaum and Trump on February 3, 2025, the tariff threat was postponed for one month, pending further discussions on:
- Strengthening anti-narcotics efforts through joint intelligence operations.
- Deploying Mexico’s National Guard (GN) along the northern border to combat drug trafficking.
- Implementing stricter port security measures to prevent precursor chemical smuggling.
- Enhancing financial tracking systems to identify cartel funding sources.
Which Cartels Are Targeted by the U.S. Plan?
The DOJ memorandum explicitly named ten major Mexican criminal organizations as primary targets:
- Sinaloa Cartel
- Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG)
- Gulf Cartel
- Los Zetas
- Northeast Cartel
- Juárez Cartel
- Tijuana Cartel
- Beltrán Leyva Organization
- La Familia Michoacana
This expanded crackdown is a direct escalation from previous U.S. counter-narcotics operations, further complicating diplomatic relations between the two nations.
What Happens Next?
As tensions escalate between Washington and Mexico City, the next steps will determine the future of bilateral cooperation on security and trade. If Trump proceeds with the tariff threat, it could destabilize Mexico’s economy, affecting both export industries and U.S.-Mexico supply chains.
Meanwhile, Sheinbaum’s administration faces pressure to take stronger action against cartel activity, without compromising Mexico’s sovereignty. The coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the future of U.S.-Mexico relations, as both nations navigate complex geopolitical and economic challenges.
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