Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum strongly denounced the United States recent designation of several Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations, warning that any form of intervention would not be tolerated.
In a press conference on Thursday, Sheinbaum emphasized that while Mexico remains committed to cooperation, it will never accept subordination or foreign interference.
“They can call them whatever they want, but with Mexico, it is collaboration and coordination—never subordination or intervention, and even less an invasion,” Sheinbaum stated.
Her comments follow the U.S. government’s move to classify Mexican cartels, including the Jalisco New Generation and Sinaloa cartels, as terrorist entities.
The designation, made under the administration of President Donald Trump, is part of an intensified effort to combat drug trafficking and illegal migration. The classification provides U.S. law enforcement with expanded tools to disrupt cartel activities and raises speculation about possible military action.
Mexico will not stand US ‘invasion’ in fight against cartels, president says
— AustinBlue (@MakeTexasBlue22) February 21, 2025
Claudia Sheinbaum’s warning follows Washington designating Mexican cartels as terrorist organizationshttps://t.co/HmJHzjtAhY
This cannot be an opportunity for the US to invade our sovereignty,” the…
Mexico’s Response: Legal Action Against U.S. Gun Manufacturers
In response, Mexico is preparing to escalate legal actions against American gun makers, whom the government accuses of negligence in allowing weapons to flow into the hands of criminal organizations.
Sheinbaum hinted that the new lawsuit could introduce charges of “complicity” with terrorist groups, a move that could have significant international legal implications.
Mexico claims that up to 750,000 firearms are smuggled across its border annually, fueling violent crime despite the country’s strict gun control laws. Since 2006, when Mexico deployed its military against drug cartels, over 480,000 people have died in drug-related violence.
The U.S. designation of cartels as terrorist organizations has raised concerns in Mexico over the potential for direct military action. Tech billionaire and Trump ally Elon Musk suggested that the label could make cartels “eligible for drone strikes.”
Meanwhile, reports indicate that U.S. intelligence agencies have already intensified secret drone surveillance over Mexico, targeting fentanyl production labs.
Concerns Over Military Action: Musk’s Influence and U.S. Drone Surveillance
Sheinbaum confirmed that such surveillance operations have been ongoing as part of long-standing cooperation agreements, though she made it clear that any unauthorized foreign military action would be a breach of Mexico’s sovereignty.
“The people of Mexico, under no circumstances, will accept interventions, interference, or any other act that harms the integrity, independence, and sovereignty of the nation,” she declared.
To reinforce this stance, Sheinbaum announced plans to introduce constitutional reforms aimed at explicitly prohibiting unauthorized foreign interventions on Mexican soil, whether by land, air, or sea.
Sheinbaum’s Tougher Stance: Moving Away from “Hugs Not Bullets” Strategy
Sheinbaum’s administration has also signaled a shift in its approach to combating organized crime. Moving away from her predecessor’s “hugs not bullets” strategy, her government has increased security measures, expanded troop deployments, and carried out large-scale drug seizures.
The recent arrest of two high-ranking Sinaloa Cartel members reflects this tougher stance.
Mexico Faces Economic Threats: Trump’s Tariffs and Border Security Cooperation
At the same time, Mexico is working to avoid severe economic repercussions. Trump has threatened sweeping 25% tariffs on Mexican goods if the country does not do more to curb drug trafficking and illegal immigration.
In response, Mexico has intensified cooperation on border security in exchange for a temporary suspension of the tariffs.
Canada Joins U.S. in Designating Mexican Cartels as Terrorist Organizations
The diplomatic strain is not limited to Mexico. Canada, which also faces potential U.S. tariffs, has joined Washington in designating several drug cartels as terrorist entities.
The sanctioned groups include the Gulf Cartel, the Michoacan Family, and MS-13, among others.
