Mexico President Sheinbaum:
President Claudia Sheinbaum asserts that high-caliber weapons used by cartels originate in the United States, cites Operation Fast and Furious, and calls for stronger bilateral cooperation to curb arms trafficking.
Mexico President Sheinbaum:
"These high-caliber rifles and rocket launchers used by the cartels — they come from the United States".
She referenced Operation Fast and Furious, stating that the United States government allowed firearms to be transferred directly to Mexican cartels.
She said that no one was ever held accountable.
She noted that the issue of weapons trafficking has long been raised with the United States, including during the administration of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
She contrasted this with the period under President Felipe Calderón, referring to the operation known as "Rápido y Furioso".
She said that neither in the United States nor in Mexico were individuals held responsible.
According to her remarks, tracking chips were placed on weapons to monitor their destination.
She described how criminal groups allegedly removed the tracking devices and retained the weapons.
She questioned who had authorized the weapons to cross into Mexico, stating that it had been permitted by the government.
She added that President López Obrador filed two legal complaints in the United States against firearms manufacturers and distributors over the flow of weapons into Mexico.
She said that within the current understanding with the United States, one of the central objectives is for the United States to reduce the entry of weapons into Mexico.
She emphasized that cooperation operates on both sides, with each country acting within its own territory.
If U.S. authorities have intelligence related to Mexico, it is shared with Mexican authorities.
She stated that just as Mexico is working to reduce the flow of fentanyl into the United States, a corresponding reduction in the flow of weapons into Mexico would be essential.
She concluded that the government’s objective remains peace and tranquility for the people, and that pacification efforts have begun in areas affected by violence.
"These high-caliber rifles and rocket launchers used by the cartels — they come from the United States".
She referenced Operation Fast and Furious, stating that the United States government allowed firearms to be transferred directly to Mexican cartels.
She said that no one was ever held accountable.
She noted that the issue of weapons trafficking has long been raised with the United States, including during the administration of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
She contrasted this with the period under President Felipe Calderón, referring to the operation known as "Rápido y Furioso".
She said that neither in the United States nor in Mexico were individuals held responsible.
According to her remarks, tracking chips were placed on weapons to monitor their destination.
She described how criminal groups allegedly removed the tracking devices and retained the weapons.
She questioned who had authorized the weapons to cross into Mexico, stating that it had been permitted by the government.
She added that President López Obrador filed two legal complaints in the United States against firearms manufacturers and distributors over the flow of weapons into Mexico.
She said that within the current understanding with the United States, one of the central objectives is for the United States to reduce the entry of weapons into Mexico.
She emphasized that cooperation operates on both sides, with each country acting within its own territory.
If U.S. authorities have intelligence related to Mexico, it is shared with Mexican authorities.
She stated that just as Mexico is working to reduce the flow of fentanyl into the United States, a corresponding reduction in the flow of weapons into Mexico would be essential.
She concluded that the government’s objective remains peace and tranquility for the people, and that pacification efforts have begun in areas affected by violence.
