US, Mexico Enhance Security Cooperation Against Cartels Along Border

The United States and Mexico have agreed to enhance their security cooperation to combat transnational organized crime, focusing on dismantling drug cartels, halting fentanyl and arms trafficking, and addressing illegal border crossings. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Mexican Foreign Secretary Juan Ramón de la Fuente emphasized mutual respect for sovereignty as a cornerstone of their partnership, with Mexico rejecting unilateral U.S. cross-border operations. The two nations plan to establish a high-level working group to coordinate efforts on cartel disruption, money laundering, and public health initiatives aimed at preventing drug abuse. This renewed cooperation includes intelligence sharing and joint campaigns to counter illicit substances, reflecting a broader strategy to tackle regional crime, migration, terrorism, and health risks. The collaboration follows recent U.S. military actions targeting drug traffickers and marks a shift toward more coordinated, sovereign-based efforts between the countries. Both governments underscored the importance of shared responsibility and trust to ensure the success of these initiatives while respecting each other's territorial integrity.