U.S. and Mexico strengthen security cooperation against cartels, fentanyl trafficking

The U.S. and Mexico on Wednesday agreed to deepen security cooperation targeting transnational organized crime, fentanyl trafficking, and illegal border crossings.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Foreign Secretary Juan Ramon de la Fuente to formalize an “unprecedented” bilateral security partnership.

A joint statement said the cooperation, based on reciprocity, respect for sovereignty, and mutual trust, will enhance coordination among national security, law enforcement, and judicial authorities. Measures include curbing drug and arms trafficking, strengthening border security, combating illicit financial flows, preventing fuel theft, and supporting public health and substance abuse prevention.

Rubio called the cooperation historic, describing his meeting with Sheinbaum as “productive,” with discussions on water resource sharing, economic opportunities, and removing trade barriers. Sheinbaum and de la Fuente reaffirmed strong ties and joint border-security efforts.

Rubio is on a three-day trip to Mexico and Ecuador to discuss dismantling cartels, halting fentanyl trafficking, curbing illegal migration, and expanding economic cooperation. The visit comes as a U.S. naval group, including seven warships and a fast-attack submarine, began arriving in the southern Caribbean.

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