Ken Salazar says he has "high expectations" of Sheinbaum; capture of "El Mayo" should be a win for Mexico and the US, says

Ken Salazar, former U.S. ambassador to Mexico, expressed high hopes for President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo during a virtual book presentation titled Fronteras. My Fight for a United America, which is set to be released soon. He emphasized his confidence in her leadership and the potential for a new direction in bilateral relations between Mexico and the United States. Salazar highlighted his belief that the arrest of Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada in July 2024 should be viewed as a shared victory for both nations. Although he avoided elaborating extensively on the case, he stressed that the truth must prevail. He noted that regions such as Sinaloa continue to face significant challenges, including violence and loss of life, similar to other areas in Mexico. Regarding the plane used to transport Zambada, which was displayed by the FBI in New Mexico as a symbol of success, Salazar clarified that the aircraft did not belong to U.S. authorities. "Yes, the plane is there at the airport, but it belongs to criminals, to drug lords," he stated. He reiterated that the plane was handed over to Mexican authorities and urged recognition of this achievement as a joint triumph. Salazar recalled instances where U.S. personnel working with him faced threats in Nuevo Laredo due to organized crime in Mexico. He called attention to the reality on the ground, urging people living along the border to share their experiences. "When they say everything is very safe, that's not the reality. Ask the people who live along this small border. Ask them where they feel safe, there’s the truth." He criticized the tendency to focus on isolated cases rather than addressing broader security issues. "That’s what we should be talking about right now, not two bosses, an issue that passed through them, not because of the U.S. government or the Mexican government." Salazar argued that political messaging often controls narratives around safety and reality, particularly concerning regions like Zacatecas, where problems persist. He acknowledged that politics poses a greater threat than drug trafficking or disinformation, as it shapes public perception. "It controls what is said about security, about places like the small border, like Zacatecas, where there are many problems," he remarked. He warned against denying these realities and called for transparency regarding arms trafficking and cooperation in security matters. Salazar pointed out a lack of clarity in how security efforts will be coordinated. "That’s why when I talk about the future and the new alliance between Mexico, the United States, and Canada, just as we’re doing in trade via the USMCA, it has to happen in security too," he added. He emphasized the need for consistent policies across all three countries. He recognized the administration under President Sheinbaum for its commitment to reducing corruption, a priority demanded by Mexican citizens. "I don’t have evidence that anyone there governs, but I hope for the best," he said. Salazar also mentioned his past support for Mexico, offering assistance from the FBI and other agencies to the government of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador following the murders of two Jesuits in Chihuahua in June 2022. On migration, he suggested looking south to address the humanitarian crisis, while criticizing the Mexican community in the U.S. for living in the shadows of society.