US‑Mexico Security Talks Continue Amid Trump Cartel Pressure

Amid repeated threats by US President Donald Trump of unilateral military action against drug cartels in Mexico, Mexican Foreign Secretary Juan Ramón de la Fuente and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke by phone on Jan. 15 to discuss shared security challenges and coordinate next steps.

During their conversation, they agreed on the necessity of ongoing collaboration and scheduled a ministerial-level meeting in Washington for February. In a joint statement, both officials emphasized the importance of cooperation based on mutual respect for sovereignty and recognized that, while progress has been made, substantial challenges remain in countering drug trafficking and organized crime.

During the call, de la Fuente and Rubio underscored the importance of concrete measures and results-oriented initiatives to strengthen joint security efforts. They specifically emphasized that the bilateral Security Implementation Group, which is scheduled to reconvene on Jan. 23, should continue producing tangible outcomes. The group’s primary objectives include countering the operations of drug cartels and preventing the trafficking of fentanyl and firearms across the shared US-Mexico border. Both officials committed to enhancing cross-border information-sharing initiatives, recognizing the critical role of intelligence in addressing transnational criminal networks.

Trump Pressures to Mexico

The Trump administration has reportedly pressured Sheinbaum to allow US military forces to operate within Mexico to directly target fentanyl labs. According to US officials cited by The New York Times, this proposal was initially made in early 2025 and renewed following the US operation in Caracas that led to Nicolás Maduro’s capture in Venezuela. The plan involves deploying US Special Operations troops or CIA officers to accompany Mexican forces during raids on suspected drug production facilities. While Sheinbaum confirmed that such proposals were made during conversations with Trump, she has consistently rejected them, emphasizing the need for security cooperation that respects Mexico’s sovereignty.

Following Trump’s public statements about potential ground attacks against cartels, Sheinbaum spoke again with Trump to clarify that no US military intervention would take place on Mexican territory. Rather than agree to joint operations, Mexican officials have proposed alternative measures. These include increased intelligence-sharing, advisory support for US agencies in Mexican command centers, and a larger role for the United States in planning rather than executing operations. 

The New York Times reports that US military and intelligence officials have also considered the use of drone strikes against suspected fentanyl labs. Such measures would violate Mexican sovereignty, highlighting the delicate balance both countries face in coordinating anti-drug operations while respecting international norms. 

US authorities explain that fentanyl labs themselves are notoriously difficult to locate, as they emit fewer detectable chemical traces than methamphetamine labs and often operate in urban environments using simple household equipment. Previously, US drones have entered Mexican territory to conduct surveillance and investigative operations, which the Sheinbaum administration has described as authorized bilateral cooperation.

The Department of Defense has stated that it is ready to execute orders from the commander-in-chief “at any time and anywhere,” raising concerns in Mexico about potential overreach. 

The Fentanyl Crisis

Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid originally approved for medical use in the 1960s, has become the primary driver of opioid overdose deaths in the United States. In 2024 alone, over 48,000 US citizens died after consuming drugs containing fentanyl, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The drug is often mixed with other substances, making users unaware of its presence.

Over the past decade, the global fentanyl supply chain has expanded, creating significant challenges for law enforcement and policymakers. China remains the primary source of the precursor chemicals used in fentanyl production, although India has emerged as a secondary source. 

US authorities have accused Chinese companies of knowingly supplying these chemicals to criminal networks, sometimes providing instructions for synthesizing fentanyl through encrypted platforms and cryptocurrency payments. China maintains that it enforces strict drug regulations and has cooperated with the United States in prior operations, emphasizing that the United States must also address domestic demand for opioids.

The Role of Canada and Mexico in the Fentanyl Trade

President Trump has claimed that both Canada and Mexico have allowed significant amounts of fentanyl into the United States, though US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data indicate that only about 0.8% of total fentanyl seizures occur at the northern border with Canada. 

Nevertheless, organized criminal networks in Canada have increased domestic production of fentanyl, importing chemicals and laboratory equipment from China. Between January and October 2024, Canadian authorities reported seizing 4.9kg of fentanyl coming from the United States, while US authorities intercepted 14.6kg entering from Canada. In response to the growing threat, Canada pledged US$900 million to combat fentanyl trafficking and appointed Kevin Brosseau as the national fentanyl coordinator.

While Canada has been implicated in the fentanyl crisis, most fentanyl entering the United States comes from Mexico. Between October 2024 and early 2025, CBP seized over 4,100kg of fentanyl, with 96% of these seizures occurring at the southwestern US-Mexico border. According to the DEA, Mexican criminal organizations, including the Sinaloa Cartel, play a central role in producing and transporting fentanyl. They convert precursor chemicals, primarily sourced from China, into finished fentanyl in labs across Mexico. Cartels employ a range of tactics to conceal shipments, including hiding chemicals among legitimate goods, mislabeling containers, and routing materials through third-party countries.

The US government has accused Mexico of colluding with drug cartels. In response to US pressure, Mexico has made significant seizures of fentanyl and launched Operation Northern Border in February 2025, deploying 10,000 National Guard troops along the US-Mexico border to strengthen enforcement.

In addition to security measures, President Trump has used tariffs as leverage, targeting Canada, China, and Mexico to pressure them into addressing fentanyl trafficking. While tariffs and enforcement actions are part of the administration’s strategy, experts explained that the crisis itself is driven by complex international supply chains, organized criminal networks, and gaps in regulation.