Mexico’s Sheinbaum Pushes Back Against US As Cartels Gain More Power

As President Donald Trump escalates efforts to dismantle cartel influence, Mexico’s leader, Claudia Sheinbaum, has pushed back hard, insisting that her country will not accept any foreign intervention. Her fierce defense of Mexico’s sovereignty comes as the US officially designated several Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations, a move that many believe could open the door for direct military action.

Sheinbaum, who rose to power in an election marked by cartel-linked violence, has faced growing accusations that criminal organizations played a role in her victory. Despite this, she has made it clear that she opposes any US-led efforts to directly target the cartels inside Mexico. Speaking at a press conference, she insisted that while collaboration with Washington was possible, she would not allow “intervention” or “invasion.”

The Trump administration has taken a firm stance against the growing cartel violence, ramping up covert surveillance and expanding the use of drones inside Mexico to locate fentanyl production sites. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the terrorist designation, calling it a necessary step to curb cartel activity and give law enforcement additional tools to fight the crisis.

Elon Musk, who has been given a prominent role in the administration, raised speculation that the designation could make cartel groups “eligible for drone strikes.” Meanwhile, Sheinbaum admitted that US surveillance operations inside Mexican territory had increased, further fueling tensions between the two governments.

Mexico, under pressure to avoid economic penalties, has made some attempts to crack down on cartel operations. The Sheinbaum government recently announced the arrest of key figures from the Sinaloa Cartel and has deployed additional troops to the US border to slow the flow of drugs and illegal migration.

Despite these efforts, many question Sheinbaum’s commitment to actually dismantling cartel networks, as she continues to reject US intervention and insists that Mexico will not tolerate “interference” from Washington.

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