'We better coordinate': Sheinbaum to the US government

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo has urged the United States government and its security agencies to prioritize coordination with Mexican authorities rather than acting unilaterally or violating Mexico's sovereignty, stating such actions often lead to increased violence. During her morning press conference at the National Palace, she emphasized the importance of collaboration between both nations, arguing that joint efforts yield better results than unilateral measures. Sheinbaum referenced the recent capture and transfer of Ismael El Mayo Zambada, a prominent figure in the Sinaloa Cartel, as an example of the risks associated with operations conducted without informing the Mexican state. She claimed this lack of communication led to internal disputes within the cartel and a subsequent rise in violence. According to her, the operation, which allegedly involved U.S. participation, caused a fracture in the Sinaloa Cartel, resulting in heightened conflict in Sinaloa and other regions of the country. The president argued that if U.S. authorities had information about the location of criminal targets, they should have shared it with Mexico so that national institutions could carry out the arrests. She suggested that this approach would have yielded different outcomes. Sheinbaum also questioned the accounts provided by U.S. officials regarding how El Mayo Zambada and Joaquín Guzmán López arrived at the border. While one version claims they arrived on their own, another attributed the aircraft used in the operation to the FBI, implying U.S. involvement. Sheinbaum reiterated that investigations into these matters fall under the jurisdiction of Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office (FGR). However, she stressed the need for transparency from the federal government, noting that past experiences show unilateral interventions and alliances with one criminal group against another do not contribute to peace. Instead, she said, such actions consistently generate more violence. Sheinbaum did not rule out the possibility of having a direct conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the case of Ismael El Mayo Zambada. When asked whether she might contact Trump directly for further details, she stated that discussions were currently being handled through the FGR and the Department of Justice, which serve as the appropriate counterparts for such conversations. Nevertheless, she indicated that a call with Trump was possible in the future, though she had not yet proposed it directly. Regarding the pilot who flew the plane transporting El Mayo, Sheinbaum mentioned that the cabinet of security or the FGR might provide additional information next Tuesday. She explained that decisions regarding flights are made by the National Security Council, which evaluated each individual involved. She noted that either the FGR or the security cabinet—many members of which are part of the National Security Council—could offer specific details about the pilot. Sheinbaum also pointed out that during the administration of former President Felipe Calderón, the Sinaloa Cartel received protection, suggesting that historical policies may have contributed to the current dynamics involving organized crime in Mexico. Her comments highlight concerns over the impact of foreign intervention in domestic law enforcement and the potential consequences of such actions on regional stability.