Mexico’s President Sheinbaum Seeks Protocol Review with U.S. Following Attack on Suspected Drug Boat

Web Editor

October 30, 2025

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Background and Context on Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo

Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo is the current Head of Government (equivalent to Mayor) of Mexico City, a role she has held since 2018. Previously, she served as the Secretary of Environmental Affairs and Sustainable Development in Mexico City from 2012 to 2018. Her background in environmental science and urban planning has been instrumental in shaping Mexico City’s policies on sustainability and climate change. As the chief executive of one of the world’s largest cities, her decisions and actions have a significant impact on Mexico City’s residents and set an example for other urban areas in Latin America.

Key Events and Discussions

Recent Incident: U.S. Attack on Suspected Drug Boat

On October 29, President Sheinbaum addressed a press conference regarding an incident where U.S. forces attacked a suspected drug boat in international waters near Mexico, resulting in 14 fatalities and one survivor.

Sheinbaum’s Stance on U.S. Interventions

During the press conference, Sheinbaum expressed her disagreement with unilateral interventions by the United States in international waters close to Mexico. She emphasized that Mexico has an established protocol for addressing such situations, which has proven effective.

“We do not agree with these interventions, and we have a model, a protocol that has yielded many positive results,” Sheinbaum stated.

According to the existing mechanisms, when the U.S. detects a suspicious vessel in international waters, it must coordinate with the Mexican Navy to take any necessary action.

Revising Cooperation Protocols

Sheinbaum reported that during a meeting with U.S. Ambassador Ronald Johnson, Secretary of Defense Juan Ramón de la Fuente, and Navy Secretary Raymundo Morales, she insisted on Mexico’s sovereignty.

Sheinbaum explained that the protocol improvement is crucial to prevent any violation of Mexico’s sovereignty and to avoid such operations in the Exclusive Economic Zone. She also highlighted the possibility of Mexican nationals being involved in these situations.

“The U.S. Ambassador agreed in principle to promote following a protocol similar to the one previously used,” Sheinbaum mentioned.

Key Questions and Answers

  • What is the main issue discussed? The main issue is a recent U.S. attack on a suspected drug boat in international waters near Mexico, which led to casualties and prompted discussions on cooperation protocols between the two nations.
  • Who is Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo? Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo is the Head of Government of Mexico City, with a background in environmental science and urban planning. Her decisions significantly impact Mexico City’s residents and serve as an example for other urban areas in Latin America.
  • What is the existing protocol for addressing suspicious vessels in international waters? According to the current mechanisms, when the U.S. detects a suspicious vessel in international waters, it must coordinate with the Mexican Navy before taking any action.
  • What are Sheinbaum’s concerns regarding U.S. interventions? Sheinbaum disagrees with unilateral U.S. interventions near Mexico, emphasizing the importance of respecting Mexico’s sovereignty and following established protocols.
  • What was the outcome of the meeting between Mexican and U.S. officials? The U.S. Ambassador agreed in principle to promote following a protocol similar to the one previously used, focusing on preventing future incidents and respecting Mexico’s sovereignty.