by the El Reportero staff
Senior officials in the administration of President Donald Trump are highlighting what they describe as a new era of security cooperation between the United States and Mexico, pointing to recent anti-cartel operations as evidence of closer collaboration between the two countries.
Speaking in an interview with The Epoch Times, White House drug policy director Sara Carter said the United States and Mexico are working more closely than ever in efforts to combat drug trafficking organizations that operate across North America and throughout the Western Hemisphere.
Carter cited a February military operation in the western Mexican state of Jalisco that targeted Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known as “El Mencho,” the longtime leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). She said U.S. intelligence agencies provided information that helped Mexican authorities locate and pursue the cartel leader, while Mexican military and security forces carried out the operation on the ground.
According to Carter, the level of cooperation demonstrated during that operation reflected a significant change in the relationship between the two governments. She said Mexican authorities responded quickly to intelligence provided by the United States and coordinated closely with American officials.
The issue comes at a time when both countries face continued pressure to curb fentanyl trafficking, organized crime violence and the movement of illicit drugs across the U.S.-Mexico border.
Despite closer cooperation, the relationship has also faced tensions over alleged U.S. involvement in operations inside Mexico and criminal accusations against several Mexican officials.
During the interview, Carter discussed ongoing U.S. investigations involving political figures from the state of Sinaloa. She alleged that some officials had helped protect criminal organizations operating in the region. Those named in U.S. legal proceedings have denied any wrongdoing, and none have been convicted of the accusations made against them.
Among those facing scrutiny are individuals linked to political institutions in Sinaloa, including allies of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Mexican authorities have stated that they have not received sufficient evidence from U.S. prosecutors to justify arrests or prosecutions under Mexican law.
Carter argued that governments throughout the hemisphere increasingly understand that the Trump administration intends to aggressively pursue criminal organizations and individuals accused of assisting them. She suggested that this determination has encouraged greater cooperation from partner governments, including Mexico.
President Sheinbaum responded cautiously when asked about Carter’s remarks during a recent press conference. Without engaging directly in a dispute, she reaffirmed Mexico’s longstanding position that cooperation with the United States must respect national sovereignty.
“Our position is very firm in the defense of sovereignty, in collaboration without subordination,” Sheinbaum said, emphasizing that Mexico supports joint efforts against organized crime while maintaining control over its own security decisions.
Despite occasional disagreements, both governments point to measurable results from recent anti-crime initiatives. Since Sheinbaum assumed office in October 2024, Mexican authorities report that more than 50,000 people have been arrested for serious crimes. The government has also transferred more than 90 cartel figures to the United States, dismantled thousands of drug production sites and seized hundreds of tons of illegal narcotics.
Another major theme of Carter’s interview involved cartel finances. Echoing comments made by FBI Director Kash Patel, she argued that authorities must focus on tracing and confiscating criminal proceeds if they hope to weaken powerful trafficking organizations.
“Follow the money” remains a central strategy in the fight against organized crime, Carter said. She argued that targeting financial networks can be as important as arresting cartel leaders because criminal organizations rely on illicit revenue to maintain their operations and influence.
Carter said cartels depend on money and power, making asset seizures and financial investigations key tools in combating organized crime.
The debate over security cooperation is expected to remain a central issue in U.S.-Mexico relations in the months ahead. As both governments confront drug trafficking, cartel violence and border security challenges, officials on both sides continue to emphasize intelligence sharing, law enforcement coordination and joint action against transnational criminal organizations.
– Source: Based on reporting by Mexico News Daily, The Epoch Times, and statements from U.S. and Mexican government officials.
