The U. S. State Department has classified eight Mexican drug cartels, including the Sinaloa Cartel and Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), as terrorist organizations. This classification suggests deep connections between these cartels and the Mexican government, particularly under the leadership of former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) and current president Claudia Sheinbaum.
• The Sinaloa Cartel's designation as a terrorist organization implies that the Mexican government may be complicit, as officials within the ruling MORENA coalition reportedly have ties to the cartel.
• The Sinaloa Cartel has historically supported AMLO's political ambitions, which may have resulted in protection from law enforcement actions during his presidency from 2018 to 2024.
• AMLO's administration took steps to safeguard cartel operations, including the controversial release of El Chapo's son during a military standoff and the dismissal of charges against a former defense secretary linked to drug trafficking.
• The relationship between cartels and the Mexican state has evolved; cartels are now seen as quasi-government entities that provide services to communities, further blurring the lines between organized crime and governance.
• The Trump administration's early acknowledgment of the alliance between Mexican drug traffickers and the government indicates a potential strategy to dismantle these cartels, but warns that military action alone may not be effective given the complex ties involved.
While designating these cartels as terrorist organizations is a significant step, dismantling them will require a multifaceted approach, including military, diplomatic, and economic strategies. U. S. policymakers must recognize the challenging dynamics at play, acknowledging that the Mexican state may not be a reliable partner in combating drug trafficking.
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