• Metascholar News Portal
• Global News , News
• February 21, 2025
• 204 views
• 3 minutes Read

Mexico’s President Pledges to Defend National Sovereignty Following US Cartel Terrorist Label

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Thursday her intention to propose a comprehensive constitutional reform aimed at bolstering Mexico’s national sovereignty. This move comes in response to the United States’ recent designation of several Mexican drug cartels, including the notorious Sinaloa Cartel, as foreign terrorist organizations. During her regular morning news conference, Sheinbaum delivered a resolute message emphasizing Mexico’s firm stance against foreign intervention. “The Mexican people will under no circumstances accept interventions, intrusions, or any other action from abroad that are detrimental to the integrity, independence, or sovereignty of the nation,” she declared. Sheinbaum underscored that this stance extends to “violations of Mexican territory, whether by land, sea, or air.” The U.S. announcement on Wednesday has heightened concerns within Mexico about potential unilateral military action by the United States. Such apprehensions have been further fueled by past rhetoric from U.S. President Donald Trump, who, during his presidential campaign, repeatedly suggested the possibility of military intervention in Mexico to combat drug cartels. President Sheinbaum criticized the United States for not consulting Mexico prior to the designation. “We were not informed or involved in this decision,” she noted, adding that Mexico has historically opposed the classification of cartels as terrorist organizations. Unlike other groups on the U.S. terror list, Mexican cartels are primarily driven by profit rather than political or ideological motives, a distinction that Mexico believes is crucial in determining the appropriate response. The U.S. designation could have far-reaching implications for Mexico. Legal experts warn that it may complicate international business operations, including those of American companies with interests in Mexico. The label of “terrorist organization” could lead to heightened scrutiny and regulatory hurdles for businesses engaging with Mexico’s economy. Moreover, it could alter the legal framework for U.S. asylum claims, potentially affecting migrants who are coerced into paying extortion or ransoms to cartels. These individuals could inadvertently be viewed as providing material support to a terrorist organization, jeopardizing their asylum prospects. In addition to the sovereignty-focused reform, Sheinbaum announced plans for a second constitutional amendment aimed at strengthening penalties for arms trafficking. She highlighted the issue as a top diplomatic priority for Mexico, as a significant proportion of firearms used in crimes within the country are illegally trafficked from the United States. The proposed reform would impose harsher penalties on both Mexican citizens and foreigners involved in the illegal arms trade, aiming to curb the flow of weapons fueling cartel violence. Analysts view Sheinbaum’s dual reform strategy as…