FROM THE OUTSIDE | Mexico and U.S. pressure

Por

José Carreño Figueras

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Publicado: 19/2/2025 · 5:00 p.m. MX | Actualizado: 19/2/2025 · 5:00 p.m. MX

Revelations about espionage activities by the U.S. military and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) targeting drug traffickers in Mexico have sparked a controversy, which President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration attempted to address on Wednesday by asserting that these operations are legal and carried out within the framework of bilateral cooperation.

However, the controversy also highlights that in politics, both form and intention matter.

“There is nothing illegal; what exists is collaboration and cooperation that has been in place for many years, not just now. These flights are part of the coordination and collaboration between the U.S. and Mexican governments, always conducted at the request of the Mexican government,” Sheinbaum said.

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Indeed, there’s nothing new under the sun. This type of cooperation has existed for decades, experiencing relative ups and downs depending on the state of the bilateral relationship. It has always been carried out discreetly, though sometimes through high-profile programs such as the Mérida Initiative.

However, the public disclosure of essentially secret activities serves a political purpose: it puts the Mexican government in a difficult position just before crucial negotiations on security and trade, which are vital to Sheinbaum’s economic agenda.

The president’s statement, highlighting that these activities have been happening for a long time, also indicates a reality shaped by the asymmetry of the bilateral relationship—specifically, the significant disparity in military capabilities.

Few countries can stop U.S. spy planes from flying, and almost none can counter satellite surveillance or espionage.

This reminder is not incidental. It stems from the growing interest of the U.S. political establishment in Mexico’s situation—particularly regarding a shared border that Washington perceives as unmanageable, often cited to rationalize its own challenges with migration and drug use.

At the same time, it is indeed true that Mexican criminal groups have exploited this failure, finding a favorable environment to operate. With their illegal profits, they can challenge state and local governments in Mexico, resulting in significant security and governance issues.

Indeed, former President Donald Trump recently stated that the bilateral relationship is strong; however, he acknowledged that Mexico faces challenges and added that his administration would be willing to provide assistance.

In this context, while acknowledging Sheinbaum’s intensified efforts to limit the influx of non-Mexican migrants at the U.S. border and tackle drug traffickers and their operations, the Trump administration appears to be pursuing more than simply reducing the U.S. trade deficit. It aims to create a situation that would ultimately draw Mexico into its security orbit.

José Carreño Figueras