Sheinbaum Resists US Plan To Crush Cartels, Raising Questions About Her Loyalties

With the Trump administration escalating its fight against Mexican cartels, President Claudia Sheinbaum has come out against any US intervention, insisting that Mexico will not allow foreign forces to operate inside its borders. Her strong opposition has led to growing speculation that her government is unwilling—or unable—to confront the powerful cartels controlling large parts of the country.

Sheinbaum, who has faced accusations of cartel backing in her election, reacted strongly after the US formally designated groups like the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the Sinaloa Cartel as terrorist organizations. She claimed that while cooperation was possible, Mexico would “never accept subordination or invasion.”

The US government has made it clear that it views these criminal organizations as a national security threat, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that the terrorist designation allows for more aggressive action. The Trump administration has already increased drone surveillance over Mexican territory, targeting fentanyl labs and other cartel operations.

Billionaire Elon Musk, now serving in an advisory role in Washington, suggested that the designation could mean cartel groups are now “eligible for drone strikes.” The comment raised speculation about whether the US would take direct military action, a possibility that has sparked outrage from Mexican officials.

Despite Sheinbaum’s public opposition, her government has taken limited steps to address cartel violence, arresting members of the Sinaloa Cartel and deploying more troops to border regions. These moves, however, have been seen as attempts to ease tensions with Washington rather than a serious effort to dismantle cartel operations.

With cartel violence continuing to claim lives in Mexico, Sheinbaum’s refusal to accept outside assistance has led to questions about whether she is more concerned with protecting national sovereignty—or the criminal organizations operating within her country.

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