Background on US-Mexico Security Collaboration
For over 15 years, the governments of the United States and Mexico have maintained a close bilateral cooperation in security matters, as US authorities view Mexican cartels as a continuous threat to the national security of the United States. Despite efforts under the Merida Initiative and the Bicentennial Framework, which have received over $3.6 billion from Congress between 2008 and 2023, Mexican cartels remain the primary source of methamphetamine and fentanyl seized in the US.
Decline in Cooperation under Trump Administration
Since Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s presidency began in 2018, the Trump administration’s efforts to combat cartels and their implications for US-Mexico relations have deteriorated. Cooperation in security matters has gradually decreased, except for the implementation of migration-related measures. However, intelligence exchange and collaboration with certain states and municipalities, including Mexico City where Claudia Sheinbaum served as head of government, have continued.
Increased Collaboration under Claudia Sheinbaum
Under Claudia Sheinbaum’s government, there have been more significant cooperation actions, such as deploying 10,000 National Guard members along the country’s borders to deter drug trafficking, sending 55 high-level drug traffickers to the US, and authorizing US surveillance flights over Mexican territory.
Trump’s Threats and Their Potential Impact
Despite Sheinbaum’s willingness to collaborate with US efforts against cartels, continuous tariff threats or potential US military intervention in Mexico could harm cooperation. During his second term, Trump has demanded “total elimination” of drug cartels, declared a national emergency at the southern border due to drug trafficking and migration, and imposed a 25% tariff to encourage Mexico to take more action against cartels.
- Tariff Threats: Trump has repeatedly threatened to increase tariffs on Mexico to 30% due to insufficient efforts against drug cartels.
- Visa Revocation: The US Department of State has revoked visas of some Mexican politicians, including Morena party members linked to Sheinbaum, over alleged criminal connections.
- US Intelligence-Based Actions: Mexican authorities have acted based on US intelligence to apprehend cartel leaders. The Sheinbaum administration has rejected any unilateral US military action against cartels in Mexico.
The future role of US external assistance in supporting anti-narcotic initiatives and promoting the rule of law between the US and Mexico is constantly evolving.
Congressional Recommendations
The report suggests that Congress should influence bilateral security cooperation through funding allocations, restrictions on foreign assistance, additional legislation, or oversight of the Trump administration’s approach to bilateral security cooperation.
