Claudia Sheinbaum: Time for a change

Mexico's new president, Claudia Sheinbaum, is under significant pressure to curb the country's pervasive cartel violence, a challenge amplified by Mexico co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The administration faces the dual task of ensuring public safety and managing relations with the United States, particularly concerning border security.

Recent law enforcement actions underscore the persistent threat posed by organized crime. In early June, authorities arrested two U.S. citizens and two Mexicans linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). They are accused of distributing over a ton of cocaine valued at $45 million. The arrests were connected to the discovery of a sophisticated 270-meter-long "narco-tunnel" running from San Diego into Tijuana.

This tunnel, one of dozens uncovered along the border, symbolizes the complex challenges Mexico faces in combating powerful drug cartels. Investigators on both sides of the border claim successes in dismantling criminal operations, but the continuous emergence of such smuggling routes indicates the deep-rooted nature of the problem. The Sheinbaum administration must demonstrate tangible progress in tackling cartel activity to reassure both its citizens and international partners.