DEA Director Accuses Mexican Government of 'Mortal Connection' with Cartels; Mexico Rejects Claims

Tensions between Mexico and the United States have escalated following strong accusations by DEA Director Tony Cole, who claims the Mexican government maintains a "mortal connection" with drug cartels, asserting they are "structurally the same."

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very unfortunate, unsubstantiated, and baseless

Cole stated that dismantling this alleged alliance is the DEA's top priority. However, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum strongly refuted these claims, labeling them "very unfortunate, unsubstantiated, and baseless." She pointed to a reported 48% reduction in intentional homicides as evidence against Cole's assertions.

This is not the first time Cole's statements have jeopardized bilateral relations. His appointment in 2025 was controversial due to past reports linking him to sensitive information leaks that allegedly led to the Allende, Coahuila massacre. Cole has also supported classifying Mexican cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and has not ruled out covert operations within Mexico.

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the priority number one of his corporation

Cole has intensified his rhetoric since taking leadership of the DEA, accusing Sinaloa's governor and other officials of drug trafficking ties. He explicitly stated that "the U.S. government's patience had run out" regarding alleged complicity among public servants, warning of judicial investigations targeting the "colluding Mexican political class."

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the patience of the American government had run out

In June 2026, Cole formally identified the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) as the "number one unprecedented threat" to U.S. security due to their extensive fentanyl sales.

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the judicial investigations 'would go directly against the colluding Mexican political class.'