Sheinbaum Rejects WSJ Claim Cartels Imperil Mexico-US Security Pact

A Wall Street Journal report published this week said the pervasive reach of Mexican drug cartels, highlighted by the 11 July escape of Chinese fentanyl-trafficking suspect Zhi Dong Zhang, is undermining President Claudia Sheinbaum’s effort to finalise a new security accord with U.S. President Donald Trump. Citing unnamed officials, the paper added that Washington is prepared to consider unilateral military action if Mexico fails to curb cartel activity. President Sheinbaum rejected the account, telling reporters the agreement is “almost ready” and anchored in respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, mutual trust and cooperation. She insisted cartel violence does not threaten the negotiations and dismissed the WSJ’s sourcing as inaccurate. Sheinbaum also clarified that a recent order signed by Trump, authorising the Pentagon to use force against drug cartels, applies only within U.S. borders and “absolutely rules out” any invasion of Mexican territory. She said both governments continue to coordinate on intelligence sharing and border security but have yet to set a date to sign the accord.