Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum warns the US against violating national sovereignty after cartels are labeled as terrorist organisations
Mexican President **Claudia Sheinbaum** has firmly rejected any US interference in her country’s sovereignty after **President Donald Trump’s administration** officially designated **eight Latin American drug cartels** as terrorist organisations.
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Sheinbaum vowed legal action against **US gun manufacturers**, accusing them of supplying weapons to the cartels, and pledged to introduce constitutional reforms to protect Mexico from external military intervention.
The designation of cartels such as the **Sinaloa Cartel** and **Jalisco New Generation Cartel** as terrorist entities has heightened tensions between Mexico and the US.
The move provides **Washington** with expanded legal authority to target these groups, sparking concerns about possible military action.
**“They can call them whatever they want, but with Mexico, it is collaboration and coordination, never subordination or interventionism, and even less invasion,”** Sheinbaum said.
Her remarks came as reports surfaced about **US drone surveillance** over Mexico, reportedly part of efforts to locate **fentanyl labs**.
Sheinbaum announced plans to expand Mexico’s lawsuit against **American firearms manufacturers**, alleging their negligence allows weapons to be smuggled across the border into cartel hands. She hinted at new charges of **complicity with terrorist groups** against these companies.
Mexico claims that **between 200,000 and 750,000 firearms** flow illegally from the **United States** into its territory each year, fueling cartel-related violence that has led to **480,000 deaths** since 2006.
Trump’s **executive order** on cartels describes them as a **national security threat** beyond traditional organised crime.
**US Secretary of State Marco Rubio** defended the decision, stating, **“Terrorist designations play a critical role in our fight against terrorism.”**
Canada has also joined Washington in **blacklisting seven cartels**, including **MS-13** and the **Gulf Cartel**, as terrorist entities.
Meanwhile, **billionaire Elon Musk**, a key Trump ally, fueled speculation about military action by suggesting the designation **“makes them eligible for drone strikes.”**
While Sheinbaum has ruled out **declaring war** on drug cartels, she has distanced herself from her predecessor’s **“hugs, not bullets”** policy.
Instead, her government has **increased drug seizures, deployed more troops**, and arrested key cartel figures—moves seen as part of a deal with the US to avoid **25% tariffs** on Mexican exports.
