US Gun Trafficking Row as Sheinbaum Urges Action from Washington

Published: 10 March 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Tensions between Mexico and the United States have intensified after a heated exchange over gun trafficking and organised crime. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has urged the United States to take stronger action against what she described as persistent US gun trafficking into Mexico. Her remarks came after former American president Donald Trump publicly labelled Mexico the “epicenter of violence” during a recent gathering of regional leaders.

Sheinbaum said that reducing US gun trafficking could significantly weaken the power of organised crime groups operating throughout Mexico. Speaking during a press briefing in Mexico City, she stressed that many weapons used by criminal cartels originate from across the northern border. According to Mexican authorities, roughly three quarters of firearms recovered from cartel operations can be traced back to the United States.

The Mexican leader explained that stopping the flow of weapons would greatly limit the firepower available to violent criminal organisations. She argued that tackling the problem requires closer cooperation between both governments rather than public criticism or political accusations. Her comments highlighted a longstanding concern within Mexico that illegal firearms crossing the border continue to fuel violence across many regions.

The issue resurfaced after Trump spoke during a summit of Latin American leaders at his golf resort in Florida. During the meeting he proposed the creation of what he described as a “counter-cartel coalition” across the Americas. The gathering, branded the Shield of the Americas summit, focused on regional security concerns including drug trafficking and organised crime networks.

During his speech, Trump argued that Mexico remained central to the hemisphere’s struggle with cartel violence. He claimed that criminal organisations operating there were responsible for much of the instability affecting the region. The remarks quickly drew criticism from Mexican officials and political commentators who felt the comments overlooked broader causes of violence.

Sheinbaum responded by reiterating that Mexico has repeatedly asked Washington to address US gun trafficking more aggressively. She noted that powerful rifles and high-capacity firearms often end up in cartel hands after being purchased legally in the United States. Once smuggled across the border, these weapons can dramatically increase the destructive capacity of organised crime groups.

Mexican authorities have long argued that the availability of these firearms is a critical driver of violence. Criminal organisations often rely on military-style weapons to protect drug routes and fight rival gangs. Such weapons are frequently recovered during raids conducted by the Mexican army and federal police forces.

The debate over US gun trafficking is not new, and it has previously reached the courts. In 2021, the Mexican government launched an unprecedented lawsuit against several American gun manufacturers. Officials accused the companies of negligent marketing practices that allegedly facilitated the illegal flow of weapons into Mexico.

However, the legal battle faced a major setback last year. The case was ultimately dismissed after the United States judiciary ruled that the claims could not proceed under existing American law. Mexican officials expressed disappointment with the decision but insisted that diplomatic efforts to address US gun trafficking would continue.

During the Florida summit, Trump also referred to Sheinbaum personally while discussing regional security issues. He described her as a “beautiful woman” with a “beautiful voice” while recounting a conversation about potential cooperation against drug cartels. According to Trump, he once suggested sending American forces into Mexico to eliminate cartel groups.

Sheinbaum firmly rejected the idea of foreign military operations on Mexican territory. She stated that Mexico’s sovereignty must always be respected, even when addressing complex security challenges. Her response emphasised that any collaboration must occur through lawful partnerships between governments.

The Mexican president confirmed that she had previously told Trump that the United States military would not be permitted to enter Mexico for anti-cartel operations. She explained that the stance reflects a consistent national policy maintained by successive Mexican administrations. Mexican officials argue that security cooperation must remain focused on intelligence sharing and coordinated policing rather than military intervention.

Trump has repeatedly suggested that stronger direct action could help dismantle cartel networks. Throughout his political career he has spoken about the possibility of using American military resources to target major drug trafficking organisations. Such proposals have sparked debate in both countries, with critics warning they could damage diplomatic relations.

Political analysts in Mexico also responded strongly to the remarks. One of the most prominent voices was analyst Viri Ríos, who described Trump’s comments about Sheinbaum as inappropriate and dismissive. She argued that focusing blame solely on Mexico ignores the complex cross-border nature of organised crime.

Ríos suggested that the United States plays a significant role in sustaining cartel activity through both drug demand and weapons availability. She noted that many criminal groups depend heavily on firearms purchased or trafficked from American territory. In her view, addressing US gun trafficking is essential if both nations want to reduce cartel violence across the region.

Experts frequently point out that drug markets and weapons supply chains are deeply interconnected across North America. Demand for narcotics in the United States generates massive profits for criminal organisations operating in Mexico. At the same time, the steady flow of weapons strengthens those groups and allows them to challenge government forces.

Many security specialists believe cooperation between the two countries remains essential for tackling organised crime effectively. Border enforcement efforts already include joint investigations, intelligence exchanges and coordinated law enforcement operations. Despite political tensions, such partnerships have produced several successful operations against trafficking networks.

Sheinbaum’s government has emphasised that stronger border monitoring could significantly disrupt illegal weapons movements. Mexican officials often highlight the need for improved tracking of firearm purchases and stricter oversight of gun dealers in the United States. They argue that even modest reductions in smuggling could weaken cartel influence over time.

In recent years, law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border have expanded efforts to identify trafficking routes. Investigators frequently analyse recovered firearms to determine their origin and movement through criminal networks. These tracing programmes have helped authorities map the pathways used by smugglers transporting weapons southward.

Diplomatic relations between Mexico and the United States have historically been shaped by issues surrounding migration, trade and security. The current debate over US gun trafficking reflects deeper disagreements about responsibility for regional violence. Nevertheless, both governments recognise that long-term stability depends on cooperation rather than confrontation.

Observers note that Sheinbaum’s remarks were carefully framed to emphasise partnership rather than conflict. While she rejected Trump’s criticism of Mexico, she also highlighted areas where joint action could produce meaningful results. Her message suggested that progress requires shared accountability from both sides of the border.

The broader challenge facing the region remains complex and deeply rooted. Drug trafficking organisations continue to operate sophisticated networks stretching across several countries. These groups rely on profits from narcotics sales while maintaining access to powerful firearms and advanced smuggling routes.

For many communities in Mexico, the consequences of cartel violence remain severe and deeply personal. Residents in affected areas often face threats, intimidation and disruptions to daily life. Governments on both sides of the border therefore face increasing pressure to deliver effective solutions.

Whether diplomatic dialogue will produce new policies on weapons trafficking remains uncertain. However, the renewed focus on US gun trafficking has once again highlighted the shared responsibility underlying North America’s security challenges. The coming months may reveal whether political leaders can transform this debate into meaningful cross-border action.

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