The United States has officially designated eight Mexican organized crime groups, including the notorious Jalisco New Generation and Sinaloa cartels, as global terrorist organizations. This move by the Trump administration has sparked significant opposition from the Mexican government, which argues that these groups are primarily driven by profit rather than political motives. Additionally, Mexico was not consulted prior to this designation, exacerbating diplomatic tensions between the two neighboring countries.
The designation of these cartels as terrorist organizations is expected to alter the legal landscape for asylum claims in the U.S., potentially disadvantaging migrants who face extortion or ransom demands from these groups. The Trump administration justified the decision by asserting that these cartels "constitute a national-security threat beyond that posed by traditional organized crime." Consequently, the U.S. military has intensified its aerial surveillance along the U.S.-Mexico border. Moreover, the CIA has ramped up drone operations over Mexico, with Mexican authorization, in an effort to locate fentanyl production facilities.
In response to these developments, Mexico is preparing to propose constitutional reforms aimed at fortifying its national sovereignty. This initiative will include stricter penalties for arms trafficking and expand legal actions against U.S. gun manufacturers. Mexico accuses these manufacturers of negligence, alleging that their weapons inevitably find their way into the hands of drug traffickers. Notably, a significant portion of firearms used in Mexican crimes are trafficked from the United States.
"This cannot be an opportunity for the US to invade our sovereignty," – Claudia Sheinbaum
Mexico's historical context adds another layer to the current tensions, as the U.S. has invaded Mexican territory multiple times in the past. The most significant instance occurred in 1846 when the U.S. claimed nearly half of Mexico's land. These historical incursions underscore the sensitivity surrounding issues of national sovereignty for Mexico.
"With Mexico, it is collaboration and coordination, never subordination or interventionism, and even less invasion." – Claudia Sheinbaum
Despite these challenges, both nations continue to emphasize the importance of collaboration and coordination. Claudia Sheinbaum's statements reflect Mexico's firm stance on maintaining its sovereignty while seeking cooperative solutions with the United States.