Sheinbaum questions the US over possible negotiations with "El Mayo" Zambada

During Tuesday's morning press conference at the National Palace, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo launched a harsh challenge to the United States government: "How do you explain then that you don't negotiate with terrorists?"

The accusation comes as Sinaloa Cartel leader Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada may reach an agreement with U.S. justice systems to provide information in exchange for benefits. This approach contradicts the Trump administration's designation of cartels as "international terrorist organizations."

More than a year after Zambada's illegal abduction in late July 2024, the Mexican government continues to press Washington for details of how the drug lord came to be in U.S. custody.

Sheinbaum noted that any information the United States possesses must be accompanied by verifiable evidence so that the Attorney General's Office (FGR) can investigate cartel members and request arrest warrants in Mexico.

The president recalled previous cases, such as that of General Salvador Cienfuegos , where collaboration with the United States lacked solid evidence, generating distrust in bilateral actions.

“As long as there is evidence, we will always collaborate, but there must be evidence… collaboration, coordination, and always in a transparent manner,” Sheinbaum emphasized.

This position underscores the need for any negotiations with organized crime groups to be based on transparency and concrete evidence , avoiding the generation of unilateral benefits that do not benefit Mexico.

Sheinbaum's questioning reflects tensions in the Mexico-United States bilateral relationship regarding security and the fight against drug trafficking. It also highlights the need for Mexican foreign policy to defend self-determination and sovereignty , demanding clarity regarding any agreements with cartel members.

Security experts believe that such statements could strengthen Mexico's position vis-à-vis the U.S. and demand that international judicial processes respect the principles of cooperation, legality, and transparency .