Over 300,000 Children Missing After Border Crossing

In a recent discussion on “American Report,” Tom Homan, often referred to as the “Border Czar,” highlighted a staggering number: over 300,000 children have gone missing following their crossing of the U.S. border. The conversation delved into the efforts made to locate these children, as well as the approaches taken during the Trump administration regarding border security.

The U.S. Secretary of State mentioned a collaborative effort with the Mexican government in combating crime, which was a claim recently echoed by Marco Rubio. This, he notes, is viewed as a considerable victory for Mexican officials, aiming to address what they perceive as potentially troubling outcomes—things like the termination of the US-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA) or the potential extradition of cartel-linked political figures. The praise from Rubio, a known advocate for tougher policies, is seen as notable and may serve as a benchmark against criticisms that Mexico isn’t doing enough in this area.

But from Mexico’s side, it’s a complex situation. One might wonder, what does that really mean for them?

Rubio’s assertion that Trump aims to wage a war against Venezuelan drug traffickers raises a lot of questions. It seems, at least to some observers, a bit dramatic. It’s worth noting that for much of the past decade, meaningful cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico regarding security has been lacking.

The partnership was notably strained from 2012 to 2018 during Enrique Peña Nieto’s presidency and almost entirely severed from 2018 to 2024 under Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Under his administration, there were allegations of corruption and ties to drug cartels that compromised effective governance.

Now, the current presidency of Claudia Sheinbaum seeks to project a more positive image. Early in her term, she faced threats from the Trump administration concerning military actions against drug cartels, leading to steps that should have been taken previously—such as tightening border control and capturing cartel leaders.

However, it’s important to realize that these are tactical measures rather than addressing the broader strategic problems. The deep-rooted collusion between the state and criminal organizations remains unresolved. It seems this has helped entrench the political power of the López Obrador and Sheinbaum administrations, leading to a governance approach that draws on authoritarian practices observed in other nations like Venezuela.

Cartel funding plays a crucial role in elections and maintaining a certain level of control over public life in Mexico. While some may argue that Sheinbaum is not directly corrupt, it’s widely acknowledged that the implications of cartel influence within the political sphere are significant.

Rubio’s warning about the “narcoterrorists” led by Venezuela’s Maduro reflects the ongoing complexity of U.S.-Mexico relations. These connections between the state and cartels linger like a standout issue, indicating that even when the border seems secure, underlying problems persist.

We have to consider a few possibilities moving forward. One is the likelihood that the U.S. is attempting to flatter Mexico in an effort to inspire better cooperation, though history suggests this often doesn’t yield results. Another consideration is that U.S. officials might believe current levels of collaboration are adequate, which is concerning given the larger issues that remain unaddressed.

Lastly, there exists the hope that substantive action against the cartel influence may indeed be forthcoming, involving both U.S. and Mexican leaders. There’s talk among Mexican policymakers that genuine accountability will come to fruition by 2028 when Sheinbaum reaches a potential turning point in her term.

The U.S. side requires clarity from Mexico, particularly in scrutinizing the Secretary of State’s statements. If Sheinbaum is a trustworthy ally, she must be able to recognize and speak against the cartel’s sway. She’s in a position to affirm that sovereignty means freedom from these influences.

Ultimately, there’s a desire for genuine communication and honesty in this partnership. Trust must be built on action, not just words.