Mexico Rejects U.S. Designation of Cartels as Terrorist Groups

President Claudia Sheinbaum defends Mexico's sovereignty against U.S. actions targeting drug cartels and warns of legal repercussions.

The U.S. State Department has designated eight Mexican drug cartels, including the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels, as foreign terrorist organizations.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has condemned the decision, asserting that Mexico will not tolerate violations of its sovereignty by the United States.
Sheinbaum announced plans to propose stricter penalties for arms trafficking, citing the high percentage of firearms in Mexico originating from the U.S.
The Trump administration's designation enables broader sanctions and potential military action, sparking debates over the implications for U.S.-Mexico relations.
Some critics argue the cartels' deep ties to Mexican political and military structures complicate efforts to combat them effectively.