The United States and Mexico announced a continued security cooperation to combat “transnational organized crime,” the State Department announced Wednesday.
The two countries have worked together to combat cartels for years, but President Donald Trump‘s administration has gone further at times, even deploying military assets to combat them.
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The two countries said they aim to enhance their cooperation to “dismantle” the cartels and their associated crime.
“The aim is to work together to dismantle transnational organized crime through enhanced cooperation between our respective national security and law enforcement institutions, and judicial authorities,” a State Department release reads.
The initiative is also associated with border security. Trump has accused Mexico of letting drugs flood across the border in recent years.
“Additionally, we are working to address the illegal movement of people across the border,” the release reads. “This cooperation through specific and immediate actions will strengthen the security along our shared border, halt the trafficking of fentanyl and other illicit drugs, and stop arms trafficking.”
It’s unclear what Mexico’s enhanced collaboration with the U.S. could look like or how far the administration will go to combat drug trafficking. A recent military operation on a Venezuelan drug operation killed 11 alleged Tren de Aragua terrorists who were transporting narcotics.
The U.S. is also strengthening its cooperation with Mexico in public health plans to counter drug use and will share intelligence.
“Our close coordination has allowed us to secure the border, reduce fentanyl trafficking, and advance intelligence sharing, all within our respective legal frameworks,” the release reads. “The two governments further intend to strengthen collaboration in public health and coordinate campaigns to prevent the abuse of illicit substances and opioids.”
Rubio flew to Mexico on Tuesday to speak with top officials there about border issues. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has conceded to the administration at times but has also fought back.
Sheinbaum denies that she feels pressure from the U.S. on cartels and relations with Trump’s administration.
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“The conversations we have with President Trump — sometimes we reach agreements, sometimes we don’t — but they’re always within a framework of respect,” she said Wednesday.
“We do not feel pressured.”