Donald Trump has reportedly shelved plans to launch airstrikes on Mexico, according to US and Mexican officials cited by the New York Times. The president had suggested at the start of his second term that the US could conduct strikes in Mexico to tackle drug cartels and immigration.
Improved Relations and Border Security
Mexico, so disliked by Trump during his first term, has grown closer with its northern neighbour, while Canada is now firmly in America's crosshairs. Illegal border crossings from Mexico have decreased, and earlier this year US intelligence aided Mexican special forces in capturing Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes.
Known as El Mencho, he had been the most wanted drug trafficker in the world, but died shortly after his arrest due to wounds he suffered during the prior shootout. The Trump administration has recently praised Mexico's efforts to tackle cartels.
Trade Deal on the Horizon
It comes as a new trade deal between the two countries appears to be on the horizon. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum recently said she and Trump had reached agreements on several key issues following a call, and her US counterpart declared a deal was "very close".
"I'm very proud to tell you we have a very good relationship with the Mexican government," Trump told the United Nations on Tuesday. "We've made great strides, very great strides with Mexico."
Pressure on Cartels
Trump has been ramping up pressure on Mexico to do more about cartels since taking office again, having offered a reward of up to $15m for information that might lead to El Mencho's capture in December 2024. The White House designated the CJNG as a foreign terrorist organisation last year.
After El Mencho died, Trump posted on Truth Social: "Mexico must step up their effort on Cartels and Drugs!" At the time, reports suggested the US provided intelligence for the operation that led to El Mencho's capture and death, although the extent of this was unclear.
