Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum is taking decisive steps to bolster the nation's sovereignty in response to recent US actions that have raised concerns over its independence. Sheinbaum has proposed constitutional reforms aimed at curbing the trafficking of US-made guns into Mexico, a significant source of firepower for criminal groups across Latin America and the Caribbean. The proposed changes, targeting constitutional articles 39 and 40, aim to protect Mexico's sovereignty across its land, water, sea, and airspace.
Tensions have escalated following the US decision to designate certain Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations, a move that was made without consulting the Mexican government. This designation could potentially pave the way for direct US military action inside Mexican territory, further straining diplomatic relations. Mexican officials have also expressed concerns over US surveillance activities, including drone flights and spy plane operations near the border, which they view as infringements on national sovereignty.
Sheinbaum emphasizes the need for Mexico to maintain its independence and prevent any external military interventions.
“What we want to make clear with this designation is that we do not negotiate sovereignty, this can’t be an opportunity by the United States to invade our sovereignty,” – Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum
The president's proposed reforms seek to address the trafficking of US-made weapons, which Mexico claims constitute 70-90% of those recovered from crime scenes within the country. These weapons are a critical enabler for criminal organizations operating throughout the region.
“They can call (cartels) whatever they decide, but with Mexico it is collaboration and coordination, never subordination, no interference and even less invasion.” – Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum
Sheinbaum has made it clear that her government will not tolerate any foreign intervention that undermines the nation's integrity.
“The people of Mexico, under no circumstances will accept interventions, interference or any other act from abroad that is harmful to the integrity, independence and sovereignty of the nation,” – Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum
The presence of US MQ-9 Reaper drones in Mexican airspace has added another layer of complexity to the situation. These flights are part of a broader reorientation of US national security assets towards the southern border. However, Mexican Defense Minister Ricardo Trevilla noted that he was not informed about these spy plane operations, highlighting a lack of communication between the two governments.
