The Mexican government has issued a warning to the United States regarding its territorial sovereignty in response to President Donald J. Trump’s decision to classify six major Mexican organized crime groups as foreign terrorist organizations. Two criminal gangs from Venezuela and El Salvador—Tren de Aragua and MS-13, respectively—were also included in this classification.
During a morning press briefing, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of cooperation in addressing the operations of drug cartels.”The people of Mexico, under no circumstances, will accept interventions, interference, or any other act from abroad that is harmful to the integrity, independence, and sovereignty of the nation,” Sheinbaum said, adding: “What we want to make clear with this designation is that we do not negotiate sovereignty, this can’t be an opportunity by the United States to invade our sovereignty.”
“They can call [cartels] whatever they decide, but with Mexico, it is collaboration and coordination, never subordination, no interference, and even less invasion,” the leftist president added.
Previously, President Trump has suggested aggressive measures against Mexican drug cartels, including potential military strikes. This stance was echoed in recent remarks by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who indicated that “all options will be on the table” to address threats from designated terrorist organizations targeting Americans, particularly along the border.
Despite her defiant tone, Sheinbaum reiterated Mexico’s commitment to working with the U.S. in combating fentanyl trafficking. Mexico and Canada agreed to crack down on the illicit drug trade in exchange for President Trump pausing the imposition of trade tariffs on both countries.
Image by Maritza Ríos / Secretaría de Cultura de la Ciudad de México.
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