Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has directed her top diplomat to reach out to senior officials in the Trump administration following President Donald Trump’s latest remarks vowing to expand U.S. anti-cartel operations from sea to land. The move signals rising concern inside Mexico’s government that direct U.S. military action could be imminent if cartels continue to operate unchecked.
Trump, in a recent interview, declared that U.S. forces had successfully disrupted maritime drug routes and that the next step would involve targeting cartel activity on the ground. The statement sent shockwaves through Mexico’s political establishment and prompted Sheinbaum to attempt damage control by urging “improved coordination” between both nations.
Sheinbaum revealed she has ordered Foreign Relations Secretary Juan Ramon de la Fuente to speak directly with Secretary of State Marco Rubio or President Trump himself. The stated goal is to strengthen cooperation on cross-border law enforcement efforts and reaffirm Mexico’s desire to remain the primary actor in addressing its domestic cartel crisis.
While Sheinbaum publicly claims to support targeting drug cartels, her administration has been widely criticized for failing to produce meaningful results. Despite numerous extraditions and high-profile drug seizures, cartels continue to operate with near-total impunity throughout much of the country, including major cities and border regions.
Her decision to oppose any direct U.S. military intervention—no matter how limited—comes as American frustration grows over the cartels’ escalating violence and cross-border influence. Sheinbaum has repeatedly argued that U.S. military strikes would violate the rights of cartel members and infringe on Mexico’s sovereignty, a stance that many view as more protective of criminals than of citizens.
The renewed push for diplomacy follows Trump’s successful military operation in Venezuela, where U.S. forces helped apprehend Nicolás Maduro. That operation has fueled speculation that similar actions may be considered in Mexico if cartels continue to act as parallel powers.
With cartel violence spilling across the border and the U.S. signaling it is willing to act alone if necessary, Sheinbaum now finds herself cornered—caught between maintaining national pride and avoiding a potential clash with Washington.
