Sheinbaum Seeks Biden’s Insights on El Mayo Zambada’s Capture at G20 Summit
On Wednesday, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum discussed her meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden during the G20 Leaders’ Summit. She requested information about the capture of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel.
Sheinbaum spoke during a morning news conference, known as “La Mañanera del Pueblo.” She highlighted the importance of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (T-MEC) during her bilateral talks with Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
In her exchange with Biden, Sheinbaum brought up various topics, including First Lady Jill Biden’s attendance at her inauguration, education, and personal matters. She stated, “I asked President Biden for all the information related to the recent capture. He listened but did not provide a direct answer.”
When asked if Mexico would send a formal second request for information, Sheinbaum replied, “We will see in due time.” She noted that President López Obrador had previously sent a message to Biden, which did not receive a direct response. She emphasized the need to discuss such matters in bilateral meetings.
What are the main challenges in U.S.-Mexico intelligence sharing regarding drug trafficking?
Exclusive Interview with Security Analyst Dr. Luis Ramirez on Claudia Sheinbaum’s Meeting with Joe Biden
News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Ramirez. Following the recent G20 Leaders’ Summit, President Claudia Sheinbaum has raised concerns about the capture of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada. What implications does her request to President Biden for more information signify in the context of U.S.-Mexico relations?
Dr. Luis Ramirez: Thank you for having me. President Sheinbaum’s request highlights the ongoing tension and complexity in U.S.-Mexico security cooperation. Zambada is a significant figure in the Sinaloa Cartel, and his capture is critical not only for Mexico’s national security but also for the broader U.S. strategy in combating drug trafficking. The fact that Sheinbaum didn’t receive a direct answer from Biden underscores a potential miscommunication or a gap in the intelligence-sharing framework between the two nations.
News Directory 3: Sheinbaum mentioned the need for discussions in bilateral meetings. How crucial are these discussions for addressing drug trafficking and organized crime?
Dr. Luis Ramirez: These discussions are essential. The nature of organized crime is transnational, and it requires collaboration to tackle it effectively. The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (T-MEC) isn’t only about trade; it can facilitate deeper collaboration on security issues. By emphasizing the need for direct dialogue, Sheinbaum is advocating for a strategic partnership based on trust and transparency, which are crucial for combating cartels.
News Directory 3: Regarding Alejandro Gertz Manero’s comments about the information shared by the U.S., what does this tell us about the current state of intelligence exchange?
Dr. Luis Ramirez: Gertz’s statements indicate that while there is some level of cooperation, it is not as robust as it needs to be. Sharing information surrounding Zambada’s capture is crucial for ongoing investigations, but the details about the operational aspects—like the plane used for his abduction—are still murky. This calls for a reevaluation of protocols to ensure that Mexico can fully leverage the intelligence shared by the U.S.
News Directory 3: What should we expect moving forward in terms of Mexico’s requests for further information and potential actions based on the situation with Zambada?
Dr. Luis Ramirez: It’s likely that there will be more formal requests made by the Mexican government if they feel that the initial cooperation does not meet their expectations. President Sheinbaum’s remark about reflecting on a second request indicates caution, as this can be a sensitive diplomatic issue. Additionally, how the Biden administration responds to these requests may shape the future of bilateral relations, especially in the eyes of the Mexican public.
News Directory 3: Lastly, Sheinbaum’s statement that “We will wait” reflects her stance on trusting the Biden administration. How do you interpret this sentiment?
Dr. Luis Ramirez: The phrase indicates a cautious optimism but also a lack of full confidence. By stating that they will wait, Sheinbaum is signaling that Mexico is determined to see actionable results, rather than just assurances. This sentiment reflects a broader challenge within the partnership, where both nations must establish accountability and clarity regarding shared pursuits in regional security.
News Directory 3: Thank you, Dr. Ramirez, for your insights on this important matter.
Dr. Luis Ramirez: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these critical issues.
Regarding the trust in the Biden administration to address the “El Mayo” Zambada situation, Sheinbaum said, “We will wait.”
On October 29, Alejandro Gertz Manero, head of Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office, stated that the U.S. had shared some information about Zambada’s capture in El Paso, Texas, but more details were still needed for the ongoing investigation. He stressed the need for explanations regarding the entry of the plane used during Zambada’s abduction, which raised concerns about why the pilot was not detained.
Currently, Mexico has confirmation that Zambada was kidnapped on July 25 by Joaquín Guzmán López