Sheinbaum rejects DEA claims of cartel ties

DEA Administrator Terry Cole had stated on Tuesday that the Mexican government and cartel networks were "one in the same" and the agency's "number one priority." In response, Sheinbaum said at her daily press conference that the statement seemed "a very unfortunate statement" and "more like a political statement than one backed by evidence."

Sheinbaum advised the DEA to concentrate its efforts on combating drug trafficking, distribution, and money laundering within the United States, which she identified as the world's largest market for illicit drugs. The Mexican government had previously issued a formal statement on Tuesday rejecting Cole's remarks, deeming them inconsistent with its anti-cartel efforts and reiterating its willingness to cooperate with Washington, provided such collaboration respects Mexican sovereignty.

The disagreement arises amid deteriorating relations between the U.S. and Mexico. This includes a U.S. indictment of Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha in April, which prompted a strong rebuke from Sheinbaum's government, asserting insufficient evidence to execute an arrest warrant. This week also saw Mexico file criminal complaints with U.S. prosecutors concerning the deaths of Mexican nationals during immigration enforcement in the United States.