Mexico and US strengthen collaboration with high-level meeting two days after capture of El Mencho

"Two days after the death of El Mencho, the most-wanted drug lord on both sides of the border, Mexico and the United States staged a high-level meeting to showcase the progress in bilateral cooperation. In addition to President Claudia Sheinbaum, the senior members of the Security Cabinet attended the meeting at the National Palace on Tuesday, including the heads of the Navy and the Army, the Secretaries of Security and the Interior, and the Attorney General."

"The death on Sunday of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), the biggest blow against organized crime in the country's recent history, also represents a boost to Mexico's position in the delicate negotiations with the Trump administration, which has been threatening for months to stage a possible intervention on Mexican soil to combat drug cartels."

"Since the operation against El Mencho, there has been a flurry of positive words between Mexico and the United States. On Sunday, the same day as the military raid that ended the drug lord's life, the Mexican government acknowledged that the collaboration of U.S. authorities was key. Sheinbaum has emphasized in recent days that the Ministry of Defense has always taken the lead, dismissing as far as possible any notion of a U.S. intervention."

Two days after El Mencho's death, Mexico and the United States convened senior officials at Mexico's National Palace to highlight bilateral cooperation achievements. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum hosted top Security Cabinet members, including heads of the Navy, Army, and key security officials. The U.S. delegation included Ambassador Ronald Johnson and White House drug czar Sara Carter. El Mencho's elimination represents a significant victory against organized crime and strengthens Mexico's negotiating position with the Trump administration, which has threatened potential intervention on Mexican soil. Both nations have exchanged positive rhetoric, with Mexico emphasizing its military leadership and sovereignty while the U.S. characterizes the relationship as between equal partners.

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