Overview
- The State Department’s Western Hemisphere bureau called gradual progress on border security unacceptable and said upcoming engagements will require concrete, verifiable results, with a Jan. 23 implementation meeting and a February ministerial in Washington.
- President Claudia Sheinbaum reaffirmed that foreign armed operations are not allowed on Mexican soil and cited reported drops in U.S. border fentanyl seizures and in homicides to defend her security strategy.
- The New York Times, citing U.S. officials, reported a push for U.S. Special Operations forces or CIA agents to accompany Mexican raids with a supporting role that includes helping direct missions, and said U.S. advisers already work in Mexican command centers.
- Mexican officials have countered with proposals to deepen information-sharing and expand U.S. participation inside command centers without authorizing joint armed operations, and no approval for U.S. combat activity has been announced.
- House Democrats moved to block funding for any unauthorized use of U.S. military force in Mexico as President Donald Trump continued to urge tougher action, including plans to “attack by land” against cartels.