The designation of Mexican cartels as terrorist groups by the United States could hinder U.S. aid programs aimed at addressing the poverty and anarchy that have made working for the cartels an attractive option. Mexico and the United States fundamentally differ on how to tackle the security challenge: Mexico sees the problem as a demand for drugs in the United States, while its northern neighbor is frustrated by the lack of results from the Mexican side.
In recent years, the relationship has been tense, with incidents such as the arrest in Los Angeles of General Salvador Cienfuegos in 2020 and his subsequent release in Mexico. Cooperation on security between the two countries is not smooth, according to Gerónimo Gutiérrez, former Mexican ambassador to the United States. The penetration of the cartels in the Mexican economy and politics is significant, and organized crime has become deeply rooted in recent decades.
Mexico's President, Claudia Sheinbaum, has changed the strategy of her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, to combat crime, focusing on strengthening security forces and adopting more repressive measures. The proposal to treat the cartels as terrorists poses significant collateral risks, from accusations against individuals with involuntary ties to narcos to implications for the U.S. arms industry.
Mexico is a vital trading partner for the United States, with a nearly 2,000-mile shared border and a large immigrant population on U.S. soil. Uncertainty over Trump's measures raises concerns especially in the fight against organized crime and drug trafficking. An honest conversation between both countries is crucial, as the security challenge is too great for Mexico to face alone.
Experts advocate for a Mexico-U.S. security treaty to address these issues. The designation of the cartels as terrorists and potential resulting actions would complicate the situation. The gangs already have a significant presence in Mexico, making compliance with financial regulations difficult and posing challenges for investment. The uncertainty generated by Trump's measures has raised alarms in Mexico, further complicating the bilateral relationship.
