MEXICO CITY — Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum announced plans on Thursday to introduce constitutional changes designed to uphold Mexico’s sovereignty in the aftermath of the US government’s classification of six Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
The categorization by the US has raised concerns in Mexico about the potential for US military involvement on Mexican soil to target these cartels, a scenario vehemently opposed by Mexico.
Protecting National Integrity
President Sheinbaum emphasized, “The Mexican people will adamantly reject any form of external intervention, interference, or actions that could jeopardize the nation’s integrity, independence, and sovereignty.”
Following an executive order by President Trump on Jan. 20, the US officially listed eight criminal organizations based in Latin America in the Federal Register. This designation, typically applied to politically driven terrorist groups, is intended to increase pressure on these criminal entities.
Mexico’s Stand on Foreign Involvement
During her daily briefing, Sheinbaum reiterated Mexico’s stance against unauthorized external interference in domestic investigations or legal proceedings without the consent and cooperation of Mexican authorities.
Building on the restrictions put in place by her predecessor, former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Sheinbaum aims to enshrine these limitations in the constitution to safeguard against unwarranted foreign influence.
Upholding National Sovereignty
Asserting Mexico’s unwavering commitment to its sovereignty, Sheinbaum declared, “We unequivocally affirm that our sovereignty is non-negotiable. The US must not view this designation as an opportunity to infringe upon our sovereign rights.”
Additionally, Sheinbaum’s administration is proposing constitutional amendments to impose the harshest penalties permissible by law on foreign individuals involved in the production, trafficking, and dissemination of firearms. Mexico has long called for increased efforts by the US to stem the flow of weapons from American arms dealers and manufacturers into Mexican territory.
Benefitting from a legislative majority, Sheinbaum’s Morena party and its allies have successfully passed various constitutional reforms, underscoring their commitment to enhancing national security.
