MEXICO CITY — Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum announced plans on Thursday to introduce constitutional reforms to safeguard Mexico's sovereignty following the US designation of six Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
The recent US designations have sparked concerns in Mexico about the possibility of US military intervention on Mexican soil to combat the cartels, a scenario strongly opposed by Mexico.
Protecting Mexico's Sovereignty
President Sheinbaum emphasized that the Mexican people will not tolerate any form of foreign intervention that threatens the nation's integrity, independence, and sovereignty.
Sheinbaum's statement came after the publication of the eight Latin America-based criminal organizations in the US Federal Register, in line with an executive order issued by President Trump on Jan. 20. The US aims to exert more pressure on these groups through the terrorist organization designation, typically reserved for politically-driven groups rather than those with economic motives.
Resisting Foreign Influence
During her daily press briefing, Sheinbaum reiterated Mexico's stance against allowing external interference in domestic investigations or legal proceedings without proper authorization and collaboration with Mexican authorities.
Building on the restrictions on foreign agents imposed by her predecessor, former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Sheinbaum intends to enshrine these limitations in the Mexican constitution.
Defending National Sovereignty
Sheinbaum underscored Mexico's unwavering commitment to sovereignty in the face of external pressures, emphasizing that negotiations on sovereignty are non-negotiable. She made it clear that the US designation should not serve as a pretext for incursions into Mexican sovereignty.
In addition to constitutional reforms to reinforce sovereignty, Sheinbaum's administration is proposing harsher penalties for foreign individuals involved in arms production, smuggling, and distribution. Mexico has consistently called for greater US efforts to stem the flow of firearms from American gun markets into Mexico.
Legislative Action
With majority control in both legislative chambers, Sheinbaum's Morena party and its allies have successfully passed several constitutional amendments. The proposed reforms aim to bolster Mexico's ability to combat transnational criminal activities and protect national interests.
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