The Government of Mexico sent a diplomatic note to the United States after Ken Salazar criticized Mexican authorities for "denying reality" regarding the violence in the country. The Mexican Foreign Ministry reported that it expressed its astonishment at the messages issued by the U.S. ambassador in Mexico.
Ken Salazar previously stated to reporters that the scarcity of resources in Mexico's security budget affects its ability to effectively combat corruption and administer justice. According to Salazar, the fight against insecurity requires "real resources" and a justice system that combats corruption at all levels. He also criticized the strategy of "hugs, not bullets" implemented by former Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
In August, López Obrador pointed out that the United States had exercised an interventionist policy in America for many years and described some statements by the U.S. ambassador regarding judicial reform in Mexico as "unfortunate" and "irresponsible." In response to diplomats' warnings about the risks of reforming the Mexican judiciary to be elected by popular vote, the Mexican Government decided to take a "pause" in its relationship with the U.S. embassy.
