Trump Threatens to Attack Cartels and Sheinbaum Responds

Trump Talks About Attacking Mexican Drug Cartels

Sheinbaum Bets on Dialogue

Security Coordination Continues

Following statements by US President Donald Trump about a possible ground attack against drug cartels, the Mexican government responded that it will continue to pursue dialogue and bilateral coordination.

President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo said that the US leader’s remarks are part of his communication style and that no scenario other than mutual understanding is being considered.

Her position was outlined during the Friday morning press conference on January 9, held in Acapulco, Guerrero.

What Did Donald Trump Say About Attacking Cartels?

Donald Trump moved from warnings to a formal announcement.
#Trump claims the #US will begin ground attacks against cartels in Mexican territory, arguing they control Mexico. pic.twitter.com/AR0d5Yavkl

— Jesús Rubén Peña (@revistacodigo21) January 9, 2026

Donald Trump stated, “We are going to start now attacking the cartels on the ground.”

In the same remarks, he claimed that “the cartels are controlling Mexico.”

These statements raised questions about the possibility of direct US action on Mexican soil.

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Against that backdrop, the issue was addressed by President Sheinbaum during her meeting with the press.

Sheinbaum said the Mexican government does not interpret these remarks as an announcement of a rupture.

From her perspective, they reflect a particular way the US president communicates.

Claudia Sheinbaum Responds to Trump as He Threatens to Attack Cartels

President Claudia Sheinbaum responds to statements by U.S. President Donald Trump claiming he would begin ground attacks against drug cartels. pic.twitter.com/GUWbu9y6t9

— JorgeArmandoRocha (@JorgeArmandoR_) January 9, 2026

“Based on the statements President Trump has made in recent days, we believe this is part of his way of communicating,” the Mexican leader said.

She added that, despite this, institutional communication with the United States will be reinforced.

She indicated that she asked Foreign Secretary Juan Ramón de la Fuente to establish direct contact with Marco Rubio.

“In any case, yesterday I asked Foreign Secretary Juan Ramón de la Fuente to make direct contact with the secretary of the State Department,” she explained.

Sheinbaum said that, if necessary, she could speak directly with President Trump.

The goal, she noted, would be to strengthen coordination within the framework already outlined by her administration.

“We are going to strengthen communication,” she reiterated in response to questions about Trump’s statements.

She recalled that Secretary Marco Rubio himself recently spoke about strong security coordination with Mexico.

When asked about alternative scenarios, the president was clear.

“We don’t want to think about any other scenario,” she said.

Coordination and Maritime Surveillance

After statements about ground attacks on cartels, Sheinbaum says that “if necessary” she will speak with Trump. https://t.co/rGa45eWRbp

— CNN en Español (@CNNEE) January 9, 2026

Sheinbaum highlighted that there is permanent surveillance by Mexico’s Secretariat of the Navy in Mexican waters.

She said this surveillance is carried out in coordination with US authorities.

She explained that there is an agreement with the United States Coast Guard and United States Northern Command.

Under this agreement, Mexico’s Navy is responsible for monitoring Mexican territorial waters.

She noted that the agreement was reached several months ago and has been functioning effectively.

The president emphasized that this is specialized, ongoing work.

She said there is a control center operating with 24-hour surveillance.

She added that there is constant contact with Donald Trump and the US government, showing commitment in the fight against Mexican cartels.

This communication allows coordinated action if a suspicious vessel is detected.

The goal, she explained, is to intercept it without resorting to greater use of force.

Sheinbaum stressed that the Mexican government wants this agreement to continue.

She said that depends on joint work, coordination, and tangible results.

Referring to the broader bilateral relationship, she mentioned a recent conversation with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

According to Sheinbaum, she told him that there is an agreement and mutual understanding with President Trump on security matters involving Mexico.

She concluded by reiterating that the priority is to strengthen coordination while respecting sovereignty and Mexico’s territorial integrity—despite ongoing debate as Trump threatens to attack cartels.