US Seeks Deeper Security Ties With Mexico Without Intervention, Ambassador Says

Mexico City — The United States wants to deepen security cooperation with Mexico’s federal government while respecting Mexican sovereignty, US Ambassador Ronald Johnson said Wednesday, ruling out any interventionist measures.

Speaking at the fifth Binational Convention of the American Society of Mexico, Johnson said Washington is committed to working closely with Mexico under a framework of mutual respect for sovereignty.

Binational Strategy

The ambassador said respect for national sovereignty covers both safeguarding territorial integrity against outside interference and freeing communities from the control of transnational cartels. He defended the Trump administration’s recent decision to classify criminal organizations as terrorist groups, arguing the legal designation gives authorities broader financial and operational tools to weaken money laundering, front companies and drug trafficking logistics networks.

Johnson also highlighted gains from intelligence sharing and joint operations, noting that between October 2024 and August of this year Mexican authorities seized more than 500 tons of narcotics, including record amounts of fentanyl and cocaine in land and maritime operations.

Migration and a Shared Agenda

Turning to migration, Johnson said the border region has recorded higher security levels and a decline in irregular crossings, though he acknowledged that significant challenges remain in dismantling illicit trafficking in both directions.

Recalling the White House’s statements at the United Nations about the need to pacify Mexican territory, he stressed that institutional communication between the two countries remains close and warned that foreign interests are seeking to fracture the bilateral relationship and generate instability across the hemisphere.