US-Mexico Relations on Security

Relation with the United States. The president underlined the importance of maintaining close relations with US authorities on security matters, while also responding to President Trump’s recent statements. Sheinbaum noted that bilateral communication channels have been reinforced and that a joint working group addresses security and organized crime issues.

“I asked Secretary Juan Ramón de La Fuente, if necessary, to meet with the Secretary of State. Two or three days ago, Secretary Rubio himself spoke about the good coordination on security with Mexico. But, as established on several occasions, the joint working group continues. So, strengthening the relationship and information … We are happy to share information about the number of labs, and within the framework of what we have been working on, coordination continues.”

Mexican Navy. President Claudia Sheinbaum highlighted that there is an existing agreement designating the Mexican Navy as responsible for monitoring the country’s continental waters, a framework that has already yielded concrete results in the fight against drug trafficking.

“There is contact with the US government through the Coast Guard in case a marine vehicle or boat approaches, so it can be detained jointly, without needing a major use of force. Just to give you an idea, 1.6t of cocaine have been seized by the Navy. Obviously, we hope this agreement continues, and it also depends on the joint work, coordination, and results. We want to keep working as necessary so that coordination is strengthened even more within the framework of defending our water sovereignty and Mexico’s territorial integrity.”

Minimum Wage Increase. Sheinbaum praised Mexico’s rise in the minimum wage, noting that the country now ranks fifth in Latin America, only behind Uruguay and Chile.

She emphasized that this represents a significant shift compared to previous years, when Mexico’s minimum wage had fallen below Haiti’s during the neoliberal period. “Today we are the third country with the highest minimum wage in Latin America, which is very significant. There was a time during the neoliberal period when we were below Haiti. Today we are behind only Uruguay and Chile, above all the others.”

Call with Lula da Silva. The president reported on a call with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, where they discussed sovereignty, security, and collaboration across multiple areas. Sheinbaum emphasized that the conversation allowed follow-up on agreements reached during the Brazilian vice president’s visit to Mexico, including business participation in joint projects.

“Remember that the vice president and a large group from President Lula’s cabinet, along with business representatives, visited. There has been significant progress in some areas of work and collaboration. He invited me to visit in May; I said we would evaluate it. He also mentioned the important work being done to address violence against women in Brazil, and I proposed that our government get in touch with them so they can learn about what we have done with the women’s handbook and the work we are carrying out.”