Sheinbaum Challenges U.S. Sanctions on Mexican Cartel Companies

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has called for proof from the U.S. government following recent sanctions from the U.S. Treasury Department against several companies linked to drug cartels, which are accused of financing political campaigns in Mexico.

During a press conference today, Sheinbaum criticized the U.S. Treasury for acting prematurely, asserting that Mexico’s Financial Crimes Unit (UIF) was already looking into these companies. She appeared to question the need for U.S. involvement, perhaps feeling that Mexico should lead such investigations.

This week, the U.S. Treasury announced sanctions against two individuals and nine companies in Mexico involved in smuggling and laundering stolen fuel for the Jalisco New Generation cartel. Alongside this, the Treasury’s financial crime unit, FinCEN, issued a warning detailing the methods and warning signs associated with this illegal fuel trade, which significantly contributes to cartel revenues beyond traditional drug trafficking.

What particularly irked Sheinbaum was a statement from the U.S. Treasury indicating that cartels were making cash payments to political campaigns and media organizations in Mexico using profits from illegal fuel sales. The statement accused corrupt politicians of helping cartels gain control over critical government positions, which supposedly simplifies their operational access to smuggling and money laundering.

Sheinbaum remarked that the allegations caught her off guard and emphasized, “We were never informed about it.” She questioned the evidence supporting these claims, suggesting that jumping to conclusions without substantial proof undermines the integrity of the investigation, stating, “What evidence do they have? Because they’re claiming something is happening when there’s no proof.”