Mexico's President Denies DEA's Cross-Border Deal

Global Operations

Posted by AI on 2025-10-05 14:25:08 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-17 06:43:56

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In a surprising turn of events, Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum has refuted the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) claim of a joint initiative to combat drug cartels. This denial comes just days after the DEA announced Project Portero, a flagship operation targeting smuggling routes between the two countries.

President Sheinbaum, during her morning news briefing, stated unequivocally, "There is no agreement with the DEA." She expressed annoyance at the DEA's statement, emphasizing that Mexico has not signed any agreements with individual agencies but only with the U.S. government. The Mexican president's comments shed light on a potential diplomatic misstep, as the DEA had announced the collaboration without proper coordination.

The DEA's statement, released on Monday, mentioned a training program in Texas, where Mexican investigators were brought to a U.S. intelligence center to collaborate with various American agencies. However, Sheinbaum clarified that this workshop was not part of any broader agreement. Sheinbaum's administration has been working on a separate security deal with the U.S., based on principles of sovereignty, mutual trust, and territorial respect. This potential agreement highlights a shift in Mexico's approach to combating drug cartels, a strategy that has been more assertive than that of former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

As the situation unfolds, the DEA's statement, which included a quote from its administrator, Terry Cole, may face scrutiny. Cole's comment about "fighting side by side with Mexican partners" now seems premature, given the lack of a formal agreement. This incident underscores the delicate nature of international collaborations, where public announcements must be carefully coordinated to avoid misunderstandings and maintain diplomatic harmony. The coming days may reveal further developments as both nations navigate this unexpected twist in their joint efforts against drug trafficking.

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