Under President Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico is strengthening its security collaboration with the United States, following a period of strained relations during former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s tenure. The revitalized partnership is largely attributed to the efforts of Security Cabinet coordinator Omar García Harfuch, who has become a pivotal figure through multiple meetings with senior US officials. These discussions have focused on intelligence sharing and combating organized crime, enabling faster information exchanges and more rapid responses to criminal activities by authorities.
Since Sheinbaum took office, Mexican authorities have reported the arrest of tens of thousands of individuals, along with significant seizures of weapons and drugs, and the dismantling of numerous clandestine drug laboratories. The country has also expedited the extradition of high-profile criminal suspects to the United States and observed a marked reduction in fentanyl trafficking. This renewed cooperation signifies a departure from the policies of the López Obrador administration, which had shuttered a US intelligence unit in Mexico and imposed stricter regulations on foreign security agents.
The bilateral relationship had previously suffered, particularly following the 2020 arrest of former Defense Minister Salvador Cienfuegos and disagreements over organized crime investigations. Tensions escalated further in 2024 when reports surfaced alleging connections between drug-trafficking funds and López Obrador’s 2006 presidential campaign. Although these claims did not lead to formal charges, they eroded trust between Mexico’s government and US authorities.
Despite the improved collaboration, President Sheinbaum has consistently emphasized the importance of Mexico’s sovereignty and the necessity of mutual respect in the partnership. Her administration has also voiced criticism regarding perceived attempts by US officials to influence or create divisions within Mexico’s security leadership. Consequently, while both nations are working towards enhanced coordination against organized crime, Mexico remains insistent that intelligence cooperation respects its sovereignty and national interests.