Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum calls on the United States to intensify efforts to seize illegal weapons crossing the border, emphasizing a shared responsibility to combat arms trafficking fueling organized crime in Mexico.

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During her Wednesday morning press conference, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum issued a firm call for the United States to increase seizures of illegal weapons at their shared border.

Highlighting the surge of arms fueling violence in Mexico, Sheinbaum underscored that the fight against arms trafficking must be a joint effort , “it cannot be a one-sided one.” This demand reflects longstanding concerns from progressive Latin American voices about the devastating impact of US-supplied weapons in destabilizing the region.

President Sheinbaum expressed concern over the recent decline in weapons seizures by US authorities, contrasting it with Mexico’s ongoing efforts to reduce the flow of synthetic drugs, including fentanyl. “We do our job, and they have to do theirs,” she stated, stressing the need for reciprocity.

She recalled a conversation with former US President Donald Trump, who questioned how high-powered weapons such as grenade launchers were entering Mexico unchecked. The reality, Sheinbaum emphasized, is that a large portion of the firearms used by organized crime in Mexico originate from the United States, highlighting the direct link between US gun policies and violence south of the border.

Sheinbaum also condemned the notorious “Fast and Furious” operation, a covert program run during the Obama and Calderón administrations that allowed weapons to cross into Mexico under the guise of tracking them. The operation ended in tragedy, with many firearms falling into criminal hands and contributing to countless deaths , yet no US officials have been held accountable.

Currently, a lawsuit against US gun dealers is pending after a previous suit against manufacturers was dismissed by the US Supreme Court, which upheld protections for the gun industry under the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA). Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned this ruling, reiterating its commitment to combat illicit arms trafficking and hold those responsible accountable.

Rejecting simplistic solutions such as tariffs, Sheinbaum emphasized the need for open public discussion and genuine cooperation between Mexico and the US. The Mexican government’s stance aligns with broader Latin American calls for respect for sovereignty and joint efforts to dismantle the structures enabling violence and instability.

La presidenta Sheinbaum enfatizó que la lucha contra el tráfico de armas debe ser un compromiso de ambos países.https://t.co/W2R8HLbslT

— teleSUR TV (@teleSURtv) July 2, 2025

The text reads: President Sheinbaum emphasized that the fight against arms trafficking must be a commitment of both countries.

This position also resonates with Mexico’s historic rejection of US policies that undermine regional peace, such as the intensified blockade against Cuba. Sheinbaum reaffirmed Mexico’s unwavering opposition to the decades,long embargo, calling for dialogue, respect for self-determination, and an end to imperialist aggression.

Mexico’s demand for the US to seize illegal weapons crossing the border is a critical step toward addressing the root causes of violence fueled by imperialist policies and corporate interests.

President Sheinbaum’s call for a balanced, bilateral commitment highlights the necessity of solidarity among nations resisting imperialist domination and defending the rights and lives of their peoples.

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