The possibility that the U.S. government conducts covert operations in Mexico against drug cartels has been highlighted by journalist Jesús Esquivel in recent comments. In an interview on Aristegui en Vivo, Esquivel pointed out that CIA surveillance using unarmed drones is not new but emphasized a recent report from The Washington Post suggesting that the agency might carry out orders from the new director, John Ratcliffe, for covert operations in Mexico to combat the cartels.
"And that is what seems most relevant to me, because the overflights with these unarmed drones are sharing intelligence information with the Mexican Government. That they don't make it public is part of the national security strategies. Officially it is supposed not to exist," Esquivel said. He also highlighted that CIA operations against the cartels could also help combat arms trafficking and money laundering, which is crucial for Mexico.
Esquivel mentioned that the insecurity situation in Mexico has surpassed the limits of control of the Mexican government. Furthermore, he stated that the designation of Mexican drug cartels as terrorists by the United States could pressure the Mexican government to act against U.S. financial institutions involved in money laundering and against American drug traffickers.
The journalist emphasized that the possible conduct of CIA covert operations in Mexico would be more extensive than drone overflights. On the other hand, he noted that high-level meetings on security and trade between the governments of Mexico and the United States will soon take place in Washington and warned about the potential repercussions that tariff issues could have in Mexico.
Regarding the assertions of the president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, about U.S. drone overflights in Mexican territory reported by media outlets such as The New York Times, CNN, and The Washington Post, Esquivel suggested that there is a strategy of U.S. intelligence behind the disclosure of this information.
Amid this scenario, Esquivel emphasized the importance of thoroughly investigating the issue, given that the companies involved in the opioid crisis in the United States may attempt to silence journalists seeking to expose the truth.
