U.S. pushes Mexico to prosecute politicians with ties to drug cartels

The Trump administration has been urging Mexico to investigate and prosecute politicians suspected of ties to organized crime, and to extradite them to the United States if there are relevant criminal charges, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

These requests, made at least three times by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his team during bilateral meetings with Mexican officials, aim to push President Claudia Sheinbaum's government to probe current elected officials and initiate an unprecedented crackdown on narco-corruption. The U.S. has particularly pressured the Sheinbaum administration to take action against certain politicians from her Morena party, warning that additional tariffs could be imposed if Mexico fails to act.

The U.S.-Mexico conversations have not been previously reported.

In response, Mexico's Foreign Ministry denied the claims, stating that no official request had been made by the U.S. to investigate, prosecute, or extradite any Mexican official. The ministry's statement on X categorically refuted the allegations.

Regarding Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila, sources mentioned her along with five other Morena officials and one former senator in connection with organized crime, though it remains unclear whether the U.S. provided a list of suspects or evidence to support the claims. Ávila firmly denied the allegations, stating that her government had successfully reduced homicide rates by fighting organized crime and that any claims linking her to criminal groups were false.

The Mexican presidency, Attorney General's Office, and Security Ministry did not comment on the discussions. The White House, State Department, Department of Justice, and Department of Homeland Security also did not respond to Reuters' inquiries.

The Trump administration has previously justified its tariff imposition on Mexico by citing the growing influence of cartels on the Mexican government.

A crackdown targeting high-ranking officials would significantly intensify Mexico’s efforts against drug corruption but could create political risks for Sheinbaum, especially since some of the allegations involve members of her own party, according to a member of her security cabinet.

The U.S. first raised these requests during a meeting in Washington on 27 February, which included Rubio, Mexican Foreign Minister Juan Ramon de la Fuente, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, and other officials from various U.S. departments. Mexico's Attorney General Alejandro Gertz and Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch were also present.

In late February, Mexico sent 29 cartel figures to the U.S. following Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on Mexican goods. Discussions also included the possibility of expediting the capture or deportation of priority targets for the DEA and FBI.

U.S. officials also proposed appointing a U.S. fentanyl czar to work directly with Sheinbaum on combating fentanyl trafficking. Additionally, Washington urged Mexico to implement more rigorous inspections of U.S.-bound cargo and travelers at the U.S.-Mexico border.

While Mexico's federal prosecutor's office is independent under the country’s constitution, the U.S. has long accused Mexico of protecting politicians with alleged cartel ties. Serving state governors and federal lawmakers in Mexico are generally immune from prosecution for most crimes unless authorized by the country's Congress, particularly for serious offenses like drug trafficking or racketeering.

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