Sheinbaum Mexico DEA Agreement: The Day’s Details
- Mexico City - President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo swiftly and publicly refuted claims made by the U.S.
- "we do not know why they issued that statement," Sheinbaum Pardo said, emphasizing that Mexico does not validate unilateral announcements from U.S.agencies without prior consultation.
- The President explained that the only known U.S.-Mexico security interaction involved a small group - just four members - of the Ministry of Citizen Security and Protection participating...
Mexico Disputes DEA Claim of Joint Security Operation
Table of Contents
August 19, 2025
Disagreement Over “Portero Project”
Mexico City – President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo swiftly and publicly refuted claims made by the U.S. drug Enforcement Governance (DEA) regarding a joint security initiative dubbed “Portero Project.” The DEA announced the operation on Monday, but President Sheinbaum Pardo stated unequivocally on Tuesday that no such agreement exists between the Mexican government and the DEA.
“we do not know why they issued that statement,” Sheinbaum Pardo said, emphasizing that Mexico does not validate unilateral announcements from U.S.agencies without prior consultation. She clarified that the only security collaboration currently underway with the united States is a separate agreement coordinated through the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Limited Collaboration and a Forthcoming Agreement
The President explained that the only known U.S.-Mexico security interaction involved a small group – just four members – of the Ministry of Citizen Security and Protection participating in a workshop in Texas. She stressed this was not part of a broader, agreed-upon operation.
A new agreement is in progress, Sheinbaum Pardo confirmed, built on four core principles: sovereignty, mutual trust, territorial respect, and collaboration without subordination. This forthcoming agreement encompasses a range of security approaches and involves dialog with various Mexican security forces,including the North Command,Navy,Defense,and National Guard,but does not include a recently agreed-upon operation with the DEA.
Constitutional framework and Past Tensions
President Sheinbaum Pardo underscored that any collaboration with U.S. agencies operates within the framework of the Mexican Constitution and the National Security Law. She noted a important shift in the nature of U.S.-Mexico security cooperation compared to previous administrations, notably during the presidency of Felipe Calderón, when the DEA had a more direct operational presence within Mexico.
She emphasized that while collaboration with the united States and other countries continues, the current government is committed to avoiding the level of interference seen in the past. The President indicated that the mexican Foreign Ministry will seek clarification from the U.S. Embassy regarding the DEA’s unilateral announcement.
Ancient Context: U.S.-Mexico Security Cooperation
The relationship between U.S. and Mexican security forces has been complex and often fraught with tension.During the Calderón administration (2006-2012), the Merida Initiative provided significant funding and support to Mexico’s security forces, but also involved a substantial DEA presence and operational role within the country. This level of direct involvement was frequently enough criticized by Mexican officials and civil society groups as infringing on national sovereignty.
The current administration of Andrés Manuel López Obrador has sought to redefine this relationship, prioritizing a more collaborative approach based on mutual respect and shared responsibility. The forthcoming agreement, as described by President Sheinbaum Pardo, appears to reflect this shift in policy.