In a recent statement, Kenneth Lee Salazar, who has been serving as the United States Ambassador to Mexico since September 2021, critiqued the “hugs, not bullets” strategy initiated by former Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Salazar argued that the approach failed to effectively address the escalating security crisis in Mexico. During a press conference on November 13, 2024, he stressed, “The strategy of hugs, not bullets, didn’t work […] The reality is there’s a significant problem in Mexico.”
The ambassador expressed concerns that the Mexican government seemed to be downplaying the severity of the security issues impacting the country. He pointed out the disconnect between the official stance and the real challenges faced by Mexican citizens, including businesspeople, journalists, and community leaders. He referenced a recent tragic event where a prominent figure in Sinaloa was murdered, illustrating the insecurity felt by everyday people.
Salazar also criticized the policy of “Republican Austerity” implemented under López Obrador, stating it hindered efforts to combat violence. He cited an example where budgetary support for security assistance from the prior administration was halted, which, according to Salazar, did not promote a productive partnership with the United States.
Moreover, Salazar highlighted the importance of investing in security measures, emphasizing fair compensation for police forces. “Good practices cannot be expected without proper investment,” he remarked, lamenting the pause of U.S. security investment due to ideological reasons. The ambassador called for cooperation and transparency to achieve the security necessary for the Mexican people.
Regarding future security policies, Salazar advised that the incoming government’s approach, led by President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, should diverge from previous strategies to yield actionable results. He urged for coordination between Mexico, the U.S., and within Mexico’s states to enhance security measures.
### Additional Context: Security and Diplomatic Relations
The diplomatic relationship between Mexico and its northern neighbors has experienced strains recently, particularly pertaining to the judicial reform controversy in Mexico. President López Obrador announced a pause in interactions with the embassies of the United States and Canada in response to their outspoken criticisms of reforms debated in Congress.
He reiterated that while state relations remain intact, respectful engagement with the embassies has been temporarily ceased. Both the president and his successor emphasized a rejection of foreign intervention in Mexico’s domestic issues. Despite these tensions, López Obrador assured that the fundamental relationships with the U.S. and Canada would continue unaffected.
Meanwhile, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, set to take office in October 2024, confirmed her alignment with López Obrador’s diplomatic stance. She noted that while harmonious relations will prevail, respect for Mexican sovereignty remains paramount.
As the transition of power approaches, the Mexican government aims to maintain a delicate balance between sovereignty and international diplomacy, ultimately focusing on internal reforms and security improvements to address pressing issues.