Sheinbaum rejects US claim that Mexico’s government is linked to cartels

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has strongly refuted claims by the head of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that her government is intertwined with criminal cartels. She described the remarks as a "political statement" lacking evidence.

During a daily news conference, Sheinbaum asserted that the DEA should concentrate on combating drug trafficking, distribution, and money laundering within the United States, which she identified as the primary global market for illegal drugs. This response comes amid ongoing tensions and accusations, particularly those amplified during the previous U.S. administration under Donald Trump, who frequently asserted that Mexico was "run" by cartels.

Sheinbaum has consistently maintained a stance of cooperation with the U.S. on combating crime, emphasizing the need for mutual respect for sovereignty. While she has pledged close collaboration, she has also been critical of what she perceives as a militaristic approach from the U.S. towards Latin America. Her administration has firmly rejected any notion of U.S. military operations on Mexican soil without federal government consent.

The relationship has seen shifts, from initial warmth to increasing criticism from Sheinbaum. She previously rebuked the U.S. for indicting Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha over alleged cartel ties influencing an election, arguing that evidence was lacking and corruption is a domestic issue. Most recently, Mexico filed criminal complaints against U.S. prosecutors concerning the deaths of Mexican nationals during U.S. deportation campaigns.

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more like a political statement than one backed by evidence