**Marko Cortés Labeled “Traitor”: Claudia Sheinbaum Criticizes Plea to Trump for Narcoterrorism Declaration**
On November 7, 2024, the President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, called a prominent political figure a “traitor to the country.” This statement followed Marko Antonio Cortés Mendoza’s request for former U.S. President Donald Trump to help categorize narcotics-related activities as terrorism. Sheinbaum made these remarks during her morning press briefing at the National Palace, emphasizing the alleged absurdity of Cortés’s actions.
While Sheinbaum criticized Cortés Mendoza’s public appeal, she clarified that there was no formal indictment against him for treason, despite the relevant legal consequences outlined in Article 123 of Mexico’s Federal Penal Code. This code prescribes severe penalties for actions compromising national sovereignty in favor of foreign entities.
Cortés Mendoza, a leading figure in a major political party, insisted that designating narcotrafficking as “narcoterrorism” would bring international collaboration to effectively tackle organized crime in Mexico. He invoked recent violent events, including the discovery of multiple bodies in Guerrero, to underline the urgency of his proposal.
Cortés Mendoza also voiced criticism of previous U.S. actions against Mexican drug cartels that lacked cooperation with Mexico’s government. He called for genuine coordination to combat the expansive control of criminal organizations.
**Secondary Article**
**Amid Rising Violence, Mexico Debates Over U.S. Involvement in Combating Crime**
In the wake of recent violence in Mexico, particularly in regions like Guerrero, there has been renewed debate over the involvement of the United States in addressing organized crime. The governor of Guerrero confirmed investigations into recent gruesome discoveries and emphasized the state’s limited resources in the fight against entrenched criminal networks.
The appointment of Donald Trump as U.S. President has exacerbated this conversation, with some Mexican politicians expressing fears that deeper U.S. involvement could infringe on national sovereignty. Yet, others argue for international cooperation as a necessary step before the violence escalates further.
In Tijuana, fears about potential shifts in U.S.-Mexico relations under Trump’s leadership have been voiced. Business leaders in the region express cautious optimism, emphasizing that whatever policy changes arise should respect Mexican autonomy while addressing shared security threats.
These discussions highlight the complexities of international relations, the sovereignty concerns that come with foreign intervention, and the urgency of collaborative solutions to combat the persistent threat of drug cartels in Mexico.