The governments of Mexico and the United States are following different narratives on security issues. While the State Department criticized Mexico's 'gradual' approach, President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that joint cooperation is yielding results, but emphasized that the neighboring country must also do its part. At her morning press conference in the State of Mexico, the president described the results of cooperation between her government and Donald Trump in security as 'very substantial.' Sheinbaum mentioned three concrete achievements. First, she highlighted a 50% reduction in fentanyl seizures at the US border, reported by CBP (Customs and Border Protection). Second, she emphasized the seizure of up to 320 tons of fentanyl and other drugs in the country. Third, she reiterated the reduction in intentional homicides by up to 40% since Sheinbaum took office until this December. 'We have very substantial results from joint cooperation and the work that Mexico has been doing,' she stated. These comments contrast with the communiqué released yesterday by the State Department following a phone call between its head, Marco Rubio, and Mexican Foreign Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente. It simply stated that 'there are many results, but there must be mutual respect and shared responsibility.' Sheinbaum also noted that offering more results will have to do with continuing the Mexican side's strategy and continuing to cooperate, but she emphasized that the US side must also work to reduce arms trafficking to Mexico, as well as develop campaigns and comprehensive measures to curb consumption, money laundering, and drug sales. 'They also have to do their part,' she added. Meanwhile, Mexican officials are under pressure to reach an agreement, as some US officials would like to see the US Army or the CIA carry out drone attacks on suspected drug labs, a violation of Mexican sovereignty that would significantly weaken the government.
