Mexican Cartels Threaten Sheinbaum-Trump Security Deal

Mexico City, Mexico — The activities of Mexican drug cartels are endangering a potential security agreement between Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and U.S. President Donald Trump, according to a report published Monday by The Wall Street Journal.

Amid expectations for a possible bilateral security agreement, the U.S. newspaper reported that violence generated by organized crime groups represents one of the main obstacles to formalizing an understanding between the two governments.

Expanding Cartel Influence Complicates Bilateral Relations

The report highlights that the growing presence and influence of cartels in multiple regions of Mexico could create friction with the U.S. administration, particularly in a context where cooperation on migration, border security, and anti-drug efforts is crucial.

“So far, the content of the potential agreement between Sheinbaum and Trump has not been made public, though both governments have held discussions on key issues such as fentanyl trafficking control, migration, and security along the shared border.”

The Wall Street Journal’s warning comes as both countries prepare to redefine the terms of their security collaboration and combat illicit flows crossing the U.S. southern border.

The New York Times Reports Corruption Scandal Amid U.S. Pressure

In a related development, The New York Times reported over the weekend that President Sheinbaum is facing a corruption scandal within her party, as U.S. officials allege that cartels have infiltrated government structures.

“To present its case, the New York-based newspaper cites the alleged ties between former officials from the Tabasco Secretariat of Security—during the tenure of Adán Augusto López Hernández—and the criminal group La Barredora.”

The report states:

“Two former officials fled after being accused of secretly leading a criminal group. Their former boss, now a powerful senator from the President’s party (Adán Augusto López), is being questioned about what he knew. The timing could not be worse for Mexico’s leader, who faces this corruption scandal as President Donald Trump intensifies accusations that drug cartels have the Mexican government under their control.”

The Times specifically names Hernán Bermúdez Requena, former head of public security in Tabasco, and José del Carmen Castillo, former chief inspector of the state police, who resigned amid allegations of ties to La Barredora. Both are now fugitives.

In November 2019, under the direction of then-Governor Adán Augusto López Hernández, Castillo was appointed as the new Commissioner of the State Police and even replaced Bermúdez Requena in February 2024 when criminal allegations against him surfaced.

Sheinbaum Dismisses Allegations, Denies Tensions with U.S.

At a press conference Monday morning, President Sheinbaum was questioned about The New York Times report, which claimed she faces a major corruption scandal within her party, Morena, just as Trump escalates accusations of cartel control over the Mexican government.

The President dismissed the allegations, denying that the investigations have strained dialogue with the Trump administration.

“It’s not true. We have said it here regarding this case and any other case: we will not cover up for anyone, but there must be investigations. But no, there is no tension related to this.”

She compared the situation to past controversies, saying:

“It’s like the invention of the ‘famous list of 22’ that was widely reported in U.S. media. Tim Golden claimed there was ‘terrible tension because there were so many people on a list.’ Then, the U.S. Embassy issued a statement saying: ‘There is no such person, nor any list in this case.’ There are people who do not want good relations between Mexico and the United States.”

Sheinbaum acknowledged differences with the U.S. on issues such as national sovereignty but emphasized that the bilateral relationship remains strong.

“But there are those who seek arguments that are not real to claim there is ‘special tension.’ No, there isn’t. In fact, there is an agreement, practically ready to be signed, on security matters, where the principles are very clear: respect for sovereignty, mutual trust, and territorial respect.”

The Mexican government has consistently denied Trump’s allegations of cartel influence over its institutions.