BSS
  09 Jan 2026, 22:12

Mexico seeks stronger US ties after Trump threat against cartels: president

MEXICO CITY, Jan 9, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum 
said Friday her government wanted closer security coordination with the 
United States after Donald Trump threatened ground attacks against drug 
cartels.

Sheinbaum told reporters she asked her foreign minister to contact US 
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and, if needed, speak directly with Trump to 
strengthen cooperation under the bilateral security framework.

Trump earlier said in a Fox News interview that land attacks against cartels 
would follow recent US maritime operations in the Pacific and Caribbean, 
without specifying where or when.

Mexico extradited dozens of cartel leaders to the US in 2025 and reinforced 
border cooperation, but Sheinbaum has repeatedly voiced opposition to any 
military intervention from outside.

She said Mexico maintains a "security understanding" with Washington and that 
Rubio had praised the "good coordination" on security between the two 
countries.