**US Government Supports Ambassador’s Criticism of Former Mexican President’s Security Strategy**
On November 14, 2024, Vedant Patel, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, publicly supported the remarks made by Kenneth Lee Salazar, the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico. Salazar criticized the “hugs, not bullets” security approach that was implemented by former Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, calling it ineffective.
During a press conference in Washington D.C., Patel highlighted the intent of President Joseph Biden’s administration to enhance security cooperation with the government led by Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo. “Ambassador Salazar was clear in expressing that important work remains. Strengthening security cooperation between the United States and Mexico remains a national security priority for us,” Patel stated, responding to a query from a Reforma newspaper journalist.
Patel further emphasized the focus on bolstering ties with the Sheinbaum administration to ensure safety on both sides of the border. Meanwhile, President Sheinbaum Pardo accused Salazar of providing inconsistent statements, noting a variance in his messages.
The Mexican Secretariat of Foreign Affairs issued a diplomatic note to the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, expressing concerns over Salazar’s statements. During a media address, President Sheinbaum stressed the necessity for coordination rather than subordination, pointing out differences in Salazar’s statements regarding key issues.
She reaffirmed Mexico’s status as a sovereign nation, outlining ongoing coordination through high-level dialogues on issues like drug and arms trafficking and migration. Sheinbaum emphasized that while Mexico collaborates closely with the U.S. as economic partners, it maintains its independence.
**Secondary Article: Continued Tension Over Cross-Border Security Issues**
In a related development, recent reports indicate that the issue of security along the U.S.-Mexico border remains a contentious subject amidst political shifts in both countries. With the impending end of Biden’s term in January 2025, the focus remains on how both governments can effectively manage security and immigration challenges.
Analysts suggest that while the dialogue remains positive, the outcomes depend significantly on how new policies are implemented under the Sheinbaum administration. Concerns also remain about the potential impact of political changes in the U.S. after Biden’s departure, which could alter the diplomatic approach to these transnational issues.
As both nations continue to navigate longstanding security challenges, enhancing mutual cooperation without losing sovereign integrity appears to be the foremost priority. This careful balance will be crucial as they aim to address the concerns of border safety and regional stability.