Secretary of National Defense Assures Continued Monitoring of Domestic Flights
Secretary Ricardo Trevilla of the Mexican Department of National Defense (Sedena) confirmed that flights over Mexican territory are under constant surveillance. He stated, “A program of overflights is being conducted, with strict control, and all these overflights carried out this month are by the security agencies that make up the security cabinet. Everything is controlled by the National Surveillance Center… There have been no overflights of foreign aircraft on national territory.”
Ongoing Communication with US Security Institutions
Secretary Omar García Harfuch, head of Federal Security, emphasized the continuous communication with US security institutions. He mentioned that there are regular extraditions, operations, and detentions, along with the exchange of information. Harfuch also noted that efforts are being made to establish a forthcoming security meeting with US authorities.
Internal Disagreements Over Response to US Actions Against Venezuela
According to a New York Times report, significant disagreements have emerged within Mexico’s security cabinet regarding the official response to US actions against Venezuela. There is a growing concern that repeated public condemnations by Mexico’s Chief of Government, Claudia Sheinbaum, against the attacks in Venezuela could be counterproductive. High-ranking officials are worried about the impact on ongoing tariff negotiations and the planned review of the US-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement this summer.
- Concerns Over Public Statements: Some cabinet members are concerned that Sheinbaum’s public condemnations of the attacks in Venezuela might have unintended consequences, particularly affecting ongoing trade negotiations and the free trade agreement review.
- Monitoring of Mexico References by Trump: Following the US attacks and the capture of Nicolás Maduro, the Mexican government reportedly monitored US President Donald Trump’s mentions of Mexico. After the Venezuela attacks, references to Mexico by Trump increased but decreased after January 5 when he began discussing Greenland.
- Sheinbaum’s Emphasis on Mexican Sovereignty: In response to Trump’s comments about a potential direct attack on Mexican cartels, Sheinbaum stressed the inviolability of Mexico’s sovereignty and the close collaboration with the US government over the weekend following Trump’s Fox News interview.
The ongoing surveillance of Mexican airspace and the internal discussions about US actions in Venezuela highlight the delicate balance Mexico must maintain with its powerful northern neighbor. As both countries navigate these challenges, the commitment to security cooperation and respect for sovereignty remains paramount.
