US Pressures Mexico to Prosecute Cartel-Linked Politicians Amid Tariff Threats

The Trump administration is intensifying pressure on Mexico to investigate, prosecute, and potentially extradite Mexican politicians suspected of connections to organized crime, particularly targeting members of President Claudia Sheinbaum's Morena party. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has raised these demands multiple times in bilateral meetings, including a key February 27 meeting in Washington attended by senior U.S. and Mexican officials, with threats of increased tariffs if Mexico fails to act. Mexico has denied receiving formal requests to prosecute or extradite officials, while politicians like Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Avila have denied any ties to organized crime and emphasized their efforts against violence. The administration justifies tariffs on Mexico by citing cartel influence within the Mexican government and is also pushing for stronger fentanyl controls and border inspections. This marks a significant escalation in U.S.-Mexico cooperation on combating drug-related political corruption but poses political risks for Sheinbaum due to the involvement of her party members. The discussions and proposed actions reflect a shift toward a more aggressive U.S. strategy to combat narco corruption at high levels of Mexican politics.