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For years, the US went after Mexico’s drug lords. Now it’s looking at the politicians

President Donald Trump's administration has expanded its anti-drug strategy to target Mexican politicians allegedly accepting cartel bribes, marking a sharp departure from traditional US-Mexico diplomatic practices of handling disputes behind closed doors.
Cartels are increasingly utilizing illicit profits to influence Mexican political campaigns, seeking to install allies in local government and police forces who will defend their interests.
US authorities recently revoked visas for Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Avila Olmeda and numerous mayors, while indicting Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha Moya for alleged drug trafficking ties and accepting bribes.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and her Morena party criticized the measures, with Sheinbaum rejecting extradition requests for Rocha and questioning whether the Trump administration was using Mexico for its own political positioning.
Sheinbaum has proposed a verification board to screen candidates for criminal links before the 2026 mid-term elections, even as critics warn the current United States approach risks poisoning bilateral security cooperation.

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14 Articles

WXOW

+2 Reposted by 2 other sources

Center

For Years, the United States Pursued Mexican Drug Lords. Now, It Has Its Sights Set on Politicians.

For decades, drug lords with names like Chapo and Mencho have been the emblematic faces of the U.S. struggle against Mexican drug trafficking. Now, Donald Trump’s government has adopted a new goal:...

8 days ago

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CNN

+9 Reposted by 9 other sources

Lean Left

For years, the US went after Mexico’s drug lords. Now it’s looking at the politicians

For decades, drug lords with names like “El Chapo” and “El Mencho” have been the poster boys of the US fight against Mexican drug trafficking. Now the Trump administration has adopted a new target: well-heeled politicians who allegedly accept dirty money to help the criminals.

8 days ago·Atlanta, United States

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IOL Portugal

For Years, the U.S. Has Been Chasing Mexico's Drug Barons.

The Trump administration is now targeting the politicians allegedly bought by drug trafficking, in a strategy that can profoundly disrupt relations between the US and Mexico

8 days ago·Portugal

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