Tensions Between Mexico and the U.S. Linked to Far-Right Groups

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has pointed to far-right factions in both the U.S. and Mexico as responsible for increasing tensions between the two nations in their battle against drug cartels and the politicians who support them.

In her address, Sheinbaum claimed that these tensions are not a result of former President Trump, but rather stem from ideological opposition from far-right elements in both countries against her political party. Interestingly, she avoided discussing the drug trafficking accusations or the legal troubles faced by prominent politicians from her party that have contributed to the current strain.

She emphasized her good relationship with Trump, suggesting that he is not to blame for the tensions. Instead, she attributed the discord to far-right individuals in Mexico colluding with their U.S. counterparts, all in pursuit of profit amid instability.

Notably, Sheinbaum did not touch on the criminal charges against Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha Moya, who, along with nine of his aides, has been accused by the U.S. Department of Justice of ties to the Sinaloa cartel. The friction arose when Sheinbaum publicly defended Rocha Moya, claiming there was no evidence against him. Following this, she has made several statements asserting that the case against Rocha Moya is politically motivated, aimed at undermining her political party, MORENA. Rocha Moya is a close ally of Andrés Manuel López Obrador, founder of MORENA.

The situation has intensified as U.S. law enforcement has hinted that other high-ranking Mexican politicians might also face similar charges due to their involvement in facilitating drug cartels’ operations. Since Trump took office, the U.S. government has been urging Mexico to confront these cartels more aggressively, with the White House previously stating that the ties between the Mexican government and cartels are unacceptable.