Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited tensions between the United States and Mexico by designating six Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs). The move, part of Trump’s aggressive stance against cartel violence and fentanyl trafficking, has sparked sharp resistance from Mexico’s newly elected president, Claudia Sheinbaum. Her response underscores Mexico’s long-standing refusal to allow foreign interference in its internal affairs while simultaneously navigating a complex diplomatic landscape.
Trump’s Justification for the FTO Designation
On his first day back in office, Trump signed an executive order designating the Sinaloa Cartel, Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), the Gulf Cartel, Los Zetas, Cartel Unidos, and La Nueva Familia Michoacana as terrorist organizations. He argued that these cartels function as paramilitary groups, using extreme violence, corruption, and terror tactics to maintain control over their operations.
“This is not just a drug crisis; it is a national security threat,” Trump declared while signing the order. “The Mexican drug cartels are operating as paramilitary organizations, using violence, terror, and corruption to maintain control over their criminal empires. This ends today.”
Trump’s administration has indicated that the designation allows the U.S. government to freeze cartel assets, impose harsher penalties, and increase international cooperation to combat their activities. However, the most controversial implication is that it may provide legal justification for unilateral U.S. military intervention in Mexico. Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, has been clear about the administration’s stance: “If you hurt a border patrol, you hurt a soldier, the wrath of President Trump is going to come down.”
Sheinbaum’s Defiant Response
President Claudia Sheinbaum, who took office after Andrés Manuel López Obrador, responded forcefully, vowing to protect Mexico’s sovereignty against any U.S. military intervention. “The Mexican people will not accept under any circumstances interventions, interference, or any other act from abroad that could be harmful to the integrity, independence, and sovereignty of the nation,” she stated.
Sheinbaum criticized the U.S. for making the designation unilaterally, without consulting Mexican authorities. “What we want to make clear in the face of this designation is that we do not negotiate sovereignty,” she emphasized. She has since proposed constitutional amendments to prevent any potential U.S. military action in Mexico, enshrining limits on how foreign agents operate within the country. If enacted, these reforms would legally block U.S. personnel from independent operations on Mexican soil, forcing them to go through official government channels.
The Challenge of Cartel Control in Mexico
Mexico’s ability to combat the cartels is complicated by the extensive control that these organizations exert over communities, businesses, and even government officials. Cartels operate with military precision and have infiltrated major industries, including agriculture, mining, and even law enforcement. Their wealth and power have made it nearly impossible to fully dismantle them without drastic measures.
One of the cartels’ most effective methods of control is the “plomo o plata” technique, which translates to “lead or silver.” This brutal strategy gives individuals—whether law enforcement, judges, politicians, or business owners—a simple choice: accept a hefty bribe or face deadly consequences. “We would like to be your good friend and give you a million dollars if you would like to work with us, but if you don’t, we will torture your wife and children in front of you and then kill you. Choose.” This approach has allowed the cartels to infiltrate every level of Mexican society, making it nearly impossible to determine who is truly independent from cartel influence.
Sheinbaum acknowledged the difficulty of the situation but rejected any solution that involves U.S. intervention. “This cannot be an opportunity for the United States to invade our sovereignty,” she warned.
How Sheinbaum Is Not Cooperating
Despite U.S. pressure, Sheinbaum has made it clear that Mexico will not accept American-led military operations against cartels. Trump’s administration, particularly figures like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has implied that military strikes could be a viable option if cartels threaten American security forces. Sheinbaum, however, explicitly rejected any scenario where foreign forces operate inside Mexico.
Her government has also taken steps to push back against the U.S. narrative that Mexico is failing to combat cartels. Sheinbaum has accused Washington of hypocrisy, arguing that the U.S. plays a significant role in the crisis by allowing firearms to be trafficked into Mexico. More than 70% of firearms recovered from crime scenes in Mexico can be traced back to American gun dealers, according to reports. She has signaled that Mexico may pursue legal action against U.S. gun manufacturers, further straining diplomatic relations.
Additionally, Sheinbaum’s administration has warned that if the U.S. escalates its rhetoric or enforcement measures, Mexico could respond by limiting cooperation on immigration enforcement. This could lead to an increase in undocumented migrants crossing into the U.S., worsening the border crisis.
How Sheinbaum Is Cooperating
Despite her resistance to U.S. military involvement, Sheinbaum has not entirely shut the door on collaboration. Mexico has actively engaged in efforts to curb fentanyl trafficking, a key concern for the Trump administration. In response to Trump’s threats of 25% tariffs on Mexican imports, Sheinbaum deployed 10,000 National Guard troops to the northern border to disrupt cartel operations.
She also acknowledged ongoing security collaborations with U.S. intelligence agencies. For instance, she confirmed that surveillance drone flights conducted by the CIA over Mexico were done at the request of the Mexican government. These flights, intended to locate fentanyl labs and cartel strongholds, demonstrate that Sheinbaum is willing to work with the U.S. under carefully negotiated terms.
Moreover, she has proposed a constitutional reform to impose harsher penalties on Mexican nationals and foreigners involved in gun trafficking, aligning with U.S. interests in reducing cartel firepower. These efforts suggest that while Sheinbaum is resisting U.S. pressure in some areas, she is also working to address the broader security crisis in ways that do not compromise Mexico’s sovereignty.
A Precarious Balance
The Trump administration’s decision to label cartels as terrorists marks a significant escalation in U.S.-Mexico relations. Sheinbaum’s response—both defiant and cooperative—illustrates the fine line she must walk. While she refuses to allow foreign military intervention, she recognizes the necessity of collaboration in addressing cartel violence and the fentanyl epidemic.
The stakes are high. If tensions continue to rise, Mexico could limit cooperation on border security and trade, disrupting economic ties with the U.S. At the same time, cartels may retaliate against both nations, escalating violence in response to increased enforcement.
ACZ Editor: She states she will not negotiate sovereignty, but Trump knows that she damn well will.
