The upcoming changes in the administration of the United States herald greater coordination on immigration issues between Mexico and the neighboring country. Claudia Sheinbaum, the mayor of Mexico City, expressed her confidence that the joint effort will be of high level due to the statements of the next U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, who mentioned the need to collaborate with Mexico to combat Mexican cartels. "We take you at your word," emphasized Sheinbaum.
Rubio highlighted the importance of the Mexican Government taking decisive measures to face the challenges posed by the cartels. In a message before the U.S. Senate, he mentioned his preference for close cooperation with Mexico on this issue, acknowledging that the problem affects both nations equally. These statements reassure the Mexican population and were well received by the capital’s mayor, who recalled the good relationship that existed between former Mexican president Andrés Manuel López Obrador and the outgoing Trump administration.
The high-level dialogue between Mexico and the United States, focused on issues such as the USMCA, is among the plans of the upcoming U.S. administration, according to Rubio. Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of this communication to address matters of common interest, showing readiness to work together if new conditions arise, especially in the area of immigration. Preparation for possible different scenarios is part of the Mexican strategy.
At the same time, outgoing U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he will declare Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations upon taking office. During a forum in Arizona, Trump asserted that he will expel all members of foreign gangs and designate the cartels as foreign terrorist organizations immediately. The president stated his intention to dismantle, deport, and destroy the entire criminal network operating on U.S. territory.
