Mexico Rejects US Claims That Government Is Identical To Drug Cartels

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum firmly rejected claims linking her government to drug cartels. She dismissed comments from DEA Administrator Terry Cole during Wednesday's news conference. The US official stated the Mexican state and cartel networks were effectively one entity. Sheinbaum called these remarks a baseless political statement lacking solid evidence. She urged the DEA to focus on stopping trafficking, distribution, and money laundering within its own borders. The United States remains the largest global market for illicit drugs.

President Sheinbaum has faced repeated accusations under Donald Trump that Mexico is run by criminals. Several Trump administration officials have echoed this assertion recently. On Tuesday, Cole declared the Mexican government and cartel groups were identical. Officials in Mexico responded by saying Cole's words ignored their cooperation with Washington against crime. They insisted on collaboration provided their national sovereignty remains fully respected.

Since taking office for his second term, President Trump has pressured Sheinbaum to crack down harder on crime. Her administration pledged close partnership while opposing a militaristic approach to Latin America. Mexico consistently refuses US military operations without federal consent. Relations began warmly after Trump praised Sheinbaum as marvellous early in their tenure. However, criticism of the Trump administration has grown louder over recent months.

In April, Sheinbaum rebuked the US for indicting Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha. Allegations claimed his campaign worked with the Sinaloa Cartel to influence the 2021 election. Sheinbaum stated no evidence supported these claims against Rocha. She argued that rooting out corruption is a domestic issue, not an international one. Earlier this week, Mexico filed criminal complaints regarding deaths of nationals in deportation sweeps.

These remarks arrived as the Treasury Department designated two groups as foreign terrorist organizations. The Juarez Cartel and Los Viagras received this specific designation. The Trump administration has used such labels to frame actions in Latin America as a war on narco-terrorists.