In an unwavering stance that echoes a nationalist refrain, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador of Mexico has vocally refused to combat drug cartels on the behest of the United States, insisting on a “Mexico First” policy. His philosophy, articulated during a recent news briefing, presents a clear rebuke to external influence on Mexico’s internal law enforcement strategies. “We are not going to act as policemen for any foreign government,” López Obrador declared, reiterating his administration’s position.
López Obrador, known for his “hugs, not bullets” approach, has consistently pushed for addressing the systemic issues that he believes feed into the drug cartel problem, such as poverty and a lack of opportunities, rather than engaging in direct confrontation. This position has drawn substantial criticism from both domestic observers and international partners, particularly as the death toll from drug-related violence persists, and the United States feels the effects of the opioid crisis, significantly fueled by synthetic drugs like fentanyl trafficked from Mexico.
Despite the pressure, López Obrador has offered to cooperate with the United States to stem the drug flow, citing humanitarian concerns over American lives lost to opioids. Nonetheless, his refusal to pursue the cartels aggressively marks a stark departure from his predecessors’ policies. Security analyst David Saucedo indicated, “For decades, past administrations in Mexico have thought the war against drug cartels was basically a U.S. problem.”
The Mexican president’s latest remarks come at a time when Republican lawmakers in the U.S. intensify their criticisms and calls for a more assertive approach toward the cartels. U.S. Congressman Dan Crenshaw has notably vocalized his frustration, suggesting that it is time for Mexico to recognize the cartels as mutual enemies and allow the U.S. to lend its support. Crenshaw’s comments, along with other Republicans, underscore the growing tension between the two nations on the issue of drug trafficking and its associated violence.
López Obrador has navigated these complexities by limiting U.S. agents’ activities within Mexico and reducing Mexican law enforcement’s interactions with their American counterparts. This action aligns with his view of maintaining Mexican sovereignty and independence, a sentiment punctuated by his multiple visits to the birthplace of infamous drug lord Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzman and his plans to continue doing so until his term ends.
In a twist of irony, López Obrador’s “Mexico First” policy, which is meant to reduce domestic violence, capitalizes on a reduction of homicides that had already begun before he assumed office. Though the president boasts a 17% drop in killings under his administration, more accurate figures reflect a 9.7% decrease in homicides in 2022 compared to 2021.
The cartels dominate larger and larger areas of land in northern Mexico, their historical stronghold, as well as in southern states such as Guerrero, Michoacan, Chiapas, and Veracruz. It remains uncertain whether peaceful coexistence was ever an option with Mexican drug cartels. Although certain areas have been cultivating marijuana or opium poppies for over five decades, the illicit trade has consistently been accompanied by violence.
Relevant articles:
– Mexico’s president says he won’t fight drug cartels on US orders, calls it a ‘Mexico First’ policy | AP News
– Mexican president calls on civilians not to support drug cartels even if they pressure them, The Associated Press, Fri, 19 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT
– Republicans use Lagos de Moreno tragedy to pressure Mexican president: ‘It’s time to let us help you’, EL PAÍS USA, Wed, 23 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT
– Republican Threats on Mexico Could Carry a Huge Cost, Americas Quarterly, Thu, 28 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT