DEA director calls Mexico's security chief 'trusted partner,' 'good friend of U.S.'

Omar García Harfuch, Mexico's Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, has been lauded by the head of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a key ally in combating drug trafficking and organized crime. DEA Director Terry Cole described García Harfuch as a "trusted partner" and a "good friend of the United States" during the 40th International Drug Control Conference in Buenos Aires.

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Secretary Harfuch has dedicated almost two decades of public service to protecting people in Mexico. He served in the Mexican Federal Police, in the Criminal Investigation Agency, led security in Mexico City, and now serves as Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection.

Cole's commendation, delivered at the conference hosted by the DEA and Argentina's Ministry of National Security, recognized García Harfuch's nearly two decades of public service. He noted the Mexican official's experience in various law enforcement roles, including the Federal Police and the Criminal Investigation Agency, and his leadership in Mexico City's security apparatus before his current national role.

"Secretary Harfuch has dedicated almost two decades of public service to protecting people in Mexico," Cole stated. "He served in the Mexican Federal Police, in the Criminal Investigation Agency, led security in Mexico City, and now serves as Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection." Cole emphasized that García Harfuch understands the global threats posed by transnational criminal organizations, which traffic drugs, spread violence, and corrupt institutions.

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He is a trusted partner and a good friend of the United States.

García Harfuch, attending the conference, shared insights into Mexico's National Security Strategy under President Claudia Sheinbaum. He highlighted how the strategy has bolstered the nation's intelligence, investigation, and coordination capabilities. "Criminal organizations operate across borders; therefore, our response cannot be isolated or fragmented," García Harfuch posted on X, formerly Twitter. He affirmed Mexico's commitment to international cooperation based on principles of shared responsibility, reciprocity, mutual trust, and respect for sovereignty.

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The criminal groups operate across borders and exploit every weakness. Confronting them requires solid intelligence, investigations, coordinated operations, and the determination to see the mission through.

This is not the first time Cole has publicly acknowledged García Harfuch. Previously, during an announcement of charges against leaders of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), Cole mentioned maintaining "constant communication" with the Mexican official, underscoring a shared goal of improving security for both countries.

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Criminal organizations operate across borders; therefore, our response cannot be isolated or fragmented. Mexico will continue to cooperate with its international partners under clear principles: shared responsibility, reciprocity, mutual trust, and full respect for our sovereignty.