Mexico's President, Claudia Sheinbaum, announced on Thursday her intention to propose a constitutional reform aimed at bolstering Mexico's national sovereignty following the U.S. designation of various Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
Sheinbaum emphasized, "The Mexican people will not tolerate any foreign interventions, intrusions, or actions that undermine our nation's integrity, independence, or sovereignty, including violations of Mexican territory by land, sea, or air." She expressed these sentiments during her routine morning press briefing.
The recent U.S. designations, including labeling the Sinaloa Cartel as a terrorist organization, have sparked concerns among some Mexican officials that U.S. President, may be contemplating unilateral military actions within Mexico, a notion previously suggested during his presidential campaign.
Sheinbaum indicated that Mexico was not consulted by the United States before the decision to designate the groups as terrorist organizations was made. Mexico has vehemently opposed this move, asserting that the cartels are profit-driven entities rather than politically motivated groups found on traditional terror lists.
The designation could impact international business in Mexico, affecting operations of U.S. companies. Additionally, it might alter the legal landscape for U.S. asylum claims, potentially disadvantaging migrants who might be accused of supporting a terrorist organization if forced to pay cartels extortion or ransom.
Sheinbaum also revealed plans for another constitutional reform to increase penalties for both Mexican and foreign individuals involved in arms trafficking, a significant diplomatic concern for Mexico given that most firearms used in crimes in the country are trafficked from the United States.