Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum refuted claims on Tuesday of a joint U.S.-Mexico initiative to combat drug cartels, contradicting a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announcement made the previous day.
The DEA had unveiled “Project Portero,” describing it as a collaborative effort with Mexico to target cartel operatives controlling smuggling routes along the U.S. southwest border.
The agency emphasized that the initiative would involve Mexican investigators working alongside U.S. authorities to enhance cross-border enforcement.
However, during her daily press briefing, Sheinbaum clarified that no such agreement exists. “The DEA made this announcement, but we are unaware of its basis,” she stated.
“No deal has been reached between our security agencies and the DEA.”
Sheinbaum noted that Mexico’s Foreign Ministry and the U.S. State Department are finalizing a separate security agreement focused on sovereignty, mutual respect, and coordinated efforts without subordination.
She also mentioned a group of Mexican police officers attending a training program in Texas as the only current bilateral security activity.
“We are unsure why the DEA issued this statement,” Sheinbaum added, stressing that any collaboration involving Mexico’s security matters should respect the established framework of cooperation.
“We will always demand respect,” she said.
The DEA’s statement, attributed to Administrator Terrance Cole, described Project Portero as a “bold first step” in a new era of joint enforcement, highlighting plans to leverage the full resources of the U.S. government alongside Mexican partners.
Sheinbaum’s remarks follow recent tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump, who postponed imposing higher tariffs on Mexican goods in late July.
The two leaders have also sparred over issues like cross-border migration and efforts to curb the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. Despite these disputes, Sheinbaum has recently approved the extradition of several high-profile drug trafficking suspects to the U.S.
