By Zoila Palma: Mexican officials and business leaders are increasingly uneasy as U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed threats against drug cartels stoke fears of possible unilateral U.S. action inside Mexico. Trump’s recent remarks suggesting Washington may have to “do something” about cartels he says are “running Mexico” have revived anxieties in Mexico City, even as President Claudia Sheinbaum publicly dismisses talk of a U.S. “invasion.”
Privately, however, concerns are mounting that Trump’s rhetoric could translate into military action, particularly after the recent U.S. operation that led to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Some Mexican officials fear a worst-case scenario in which a U.S. strike causes civilian casualties and triggers political and economic instability, Politico reports.
Former Mexican ambassador to the U.S. Arturo Sarukhán warned that while unilateral force is unlikely, it cannot be ruled out, saying Mexico must “thread the needle very carefully.”
The unease comes despite strong bilateral cooperation and cordial public relations between Trump and Sheinbaum.
The two governments have worked closely on border security and counternarcotics efforts, and Trump has publicly praised Sheinbaum’s leadership. Yet business leaders dependent on stability are increasingly alarmed by Washington’s framing of drug trafficking and migration as national-security threats that could justify military responses.
Pedro Casas Alatriste, head of the American Chamber of Commerce in Mexico, said the Venezuela episode has heightened fears of similar unilateral action against Mexican cartels.
In response, Sheinbaum’s government has emphasized international law and de-escalation, condemning unilateral uses of force and warning of regional instability.
Behind the scenes, Mexico has intensified cooperation with the United States, deploying troops to the border, extraditing high-profile traffickers, and allowing expanded U.S. surveillance flights.
Mexican officials say the strategy aims to reduce any justification for U.S. intervention while maintaining Mexico’s sovereignty and autonomy.
The stakes are high as the two countries face major tests in their relationship, including preparations for the jointly hosted 2026 World Cup and looming decisions on the future of a trilateral trade agreement with Canada.
The post International News: Trump’s cartel threats jolt Mexico, raising fears of possible U.S. action appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Mexican officials and business leaders are increasingly uneasy as U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed threats against drug cartels stoke fears of possible unilateral U.S. action inside Mexico. Trump’s recent remarks suggesting Washington may have to “do something” about cartels he says are “running Mexico” have revived anxieties in Mexico City, even as
The post International News: Trump’s cartel threats jolt Mexico, raising fears of possible U.S. action appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
