On Wednesday, Vance expressed during a visit to Eagle Pass his concern about the cartels in Mexico and their possible control over the State. He mentioned that Trump, by imposing tariffs, was benefiting the Mexican people. This topic generates public debate in Mexico, as there are those who think that tariffs and cartels are separate issues.
Sheinbaum has strongly rejected Trump's claims about the supposed alliance between the Mexican government and the cartels. Although she has denied these allegations, the tension persists due to the belief in Trump's environment regarding this alleged collusion. Trump's unpredictable approach to related policies has given Mexico some relief regarding tariffs.
Some politicians, like Manuel Bartlett and Ricardo Monreal, have been linked in the past to drug cartels. Marcelo Ebrard has also been mentioned for allegedly financing the Sinaloa Cartel in earlier times. There are shared intelligence reports about the financing of political campaigns in various Mexican states with money from fuel theft.
Recently, the White House referred to Mexico as a "narcostate." There are investigations into alleged links between politicians and cartels, generating tensions. President López Obrador has also been mentioned in witness statements for alleged financing from the Sinaloa Cartel. The Mexican government must demonstrate its efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking.
In summary, perceptions of the relationship between the Mexican government and the cartels continue to be a topic of debate. Despite the accusations, political figures like Marcelo Ebrard have clarified that they are not involved in the mentioned cases. The situation generates tensions between both countries and requires concrete actions to be addressed.
