**Narcos Are “Undermining” the Mexican Government and Sovereignty: Trump’s Potential Secretary of State**
Marco Antonio Rubio García, currently serving as a senator for Florida since 2011, has been selected by Donald John Trump as the prospective Secretary of State for the United States in the event of a second Trump presidency. On January 15, 2025, Rubio alleged that drug cartels in Mexico were not only controlling vast territories but also weakening the Mexican government and its sovereignty. He emphasized the urgent need for collaboration between the United States and Mexico to dismantle these criminal organizations.
During his confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio expressed his willingness to designate Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations or create new strategies to combat them. He highlighted the severe impact these groups have on both sides of the border.
Rubio stated, “These groups not only terrorize the United States but also undermine the Mexican government, the sovereignty of Mexico, and the well-being of its citizens.” He further pointed out that these sophisticated criminal organizations pose a threat to the Mexican political process, citing the recent murder of various political candidates and journalists who dared to oppose them.
Rubio also stressed the cartels’ control over significant border regions between the United States and Mexico, labeling it as a problem that requires joint efforts with Mexican partners to resolve. He expressed optimism about working closely with Mexican authorities to eliminate these groups.
Trump’s decision to appoint Rubio, announced on November 11, 2024, positions him to potentially become the first Latino to serve as the top U.S. diplomat. Rubio, of Cuban descent, has a political history as a former Republican presidential candidate and as a key player in U.S. foreign policy.
In June 2023, Rubio and a group of Republican senators urged the Biden administration to apply diplomatic pressure on Mexico to address the national security threat posed by drug cartels. They criticized the Mexican government’s insufficient actions against these organizations and the decreased U.S.-Mexico cooperation in combating drug trafficking.
**Secondary Article**
**Increasing Pressure on Mexican Cartels and U.S. Legislative Action**
Amid rising tension over drug cartels operating from Mexico, U.S. lawmakers are amplifying their demand for action. Following Marco Rubio’s statements, other Republican senators have reiterated the call for stronger sanctions and diplomatic strategies to curb cartel influence. The proposed measures include designating cartels as terrorist organizations and imposing visa restrictions and financial sanctions on Mexican officials who allegedly support these groups.
This pressure has intensified after reports of human trafficking and drug smuggling reached new heights, stirring security concerns in the United States. In response, U.S. policymakers are exploring a multifaceted approach that involves deepening cooperation with Mexican law enforcement, increasing intelligence sharing, and exerting targeted economic pressure on local governments allegedly complicit with cartels.
Furthermore, the incoming administration has hinted at expanding border security measures to curb illegal crossings and drug trafficking. Analysts suggest this could lead to renewed discussions on border wall funding and the deployment of additional border patrol resources.
As these developments unfold, experts warn of the diplomatic sensitivities involved, highlighting the importance of balancing firm action with maintaining a cooperative relationship with Mexico. The ongoing dialogue underscores the complexities of cross-border issues and the necessity for a collaborative approach to address the deep-rooted challenges posed by drug cartels.