United Nations.- U.S. President Donald Trump accused Mexico this Tuesday of being “the epicenter” of violence related to drug cartels and demanded that Claudia Sheinbaum’s government take measures to regain control of its territory.
During his speech at the United Nations General Assembly, Trump questioned the security situation in the neighboring country and expressed his concern regarding the extensive border shared by both nations.
You might be interested in: Former FBI agents sue the Trump Administration
“Mexico is the epicenter of cartel violence. Unfortunately, it is unacceptable for the United States to share a 2,000-mile (about 3,220-kilometer) border with a territory controlled by enemy cartels,” the U.S. president declared.
Trump maintained that the Government of Mexico must regain control of the areas that, according to his assertion, are under the influence of criminal organizations.
More Read
“Therefore, Mexico must regain control of its territory from the enemies of humanity,” the U.S. president stated before the representatives of the United Nations member countries.
Despite his criticisms, Trump assured that he maintains a good relationship with Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration and highlighted the progress achieved between both governments regarding security and cooperation.
“We have made great progress, very important progress, with Mexico. They don’t want the cartels either,” he stated.
More Read
The U.S. president also expressed his expectation that joint actions will allow for improved security conditions in the region and stated that the situation could change favorably if the power of organizations dedicated to drug trafficking is reduced.
“And when that day comes, this entire region will be a better and safer place,” Trump added during his speech.
The president’s statements come amid the tensions that have characterized the relationship between the United States and Mexico regarding the fight against drug trafficking, arms trafficking, and border security.
Trump has insisted on different occasions that the cartels exert a strong influence in certain areas of Mexican territory and has pressured the authorities of that country to intensify actions against these organizations.
One of the main differences between Washington and Mexico City is related to the possibility of U.S. forces directly participating in operations against criminal groups within the territory of Mexico.
President Claudia Sheinbaum has rejected that possibility and has defended national sovereignty, which is why her Government has shown itself to be against US agents or military forces carrying out unilateral operations on Mexican territory.
More Read
At the same time, the authorities of both countries have maintained cooperation mechanisms to address issues related to security, migration, and the fight against organized crime.
Sheinbaum’s stance seeks to maintain collaboration with Washington without allowing actions that, from the perspective of the Mexican government, could represent a violation of national sovereignty.
In his speech, Trump stated that Mexico also has an interest in combating the cartels and highlighted the relationship he currently maintains with the Sheinbaum administration, despite differences over how cooperation should be carried out.
The issue of drug trafficking and border security continues to be one of the central matters in the bilateral relationship between the United States and Mexico, especially due to the flow of drugs into U.S. territory and the illegal trafficking of weapons to the south.
Trump’s statements before the United Nations once again place the fight against cartels and regional security at the center of the agenda between both countries, while the Government of Mexico maintains its position of strengthening cooperation with the United States, but under the principle of respect for its sovereignty.
