A statement issued by the White House on Monday, March 3, condemned the Mexican government for its alleged relationship with drug trafficking. The document mentioned that the imposition of tariffs on Mexico and Canada was aimed at combating the activities of the cartels and the flow of fentanyl into the United States.
The White House emphasized that drug trafficking organizations in Mexico operate unhindered due to an alleged questionable relationship with the national government. It was noted that the Mexican government provides safe havens for the cartels for their manufacturing and transportation of narcotics.
Additionally, it was specified that the Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels produce fentanyl in clandestine laboratories, which is smuggled into the United States across the border. Canada was also mentioned for its "superlabs" of fentanyl, establishing that this alliance with the Mexican government poses a threat to the national security of the United States.
Despite the increased security efforts implemented by the President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, in the border area, the U.S. government criticized Mexico and Canada for not stopping traffickers or hindering drug trafficking. President Donald Trump stated that the tariffs would remain in effect until the flow of drugs, particularly fentanyl, as well as illegal immigration into his country, is stopped.
In response to the White House statement, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum called the accusations offensive and defamatory during her morning conference on Tuesday, January 4.
