Sheinbaum Seeks to Avoid Tariffs with Security Pact, but Cartels Complicate the Path: WSJ

• Sheinbaum Seeks Deal with Trump
• Kingpin Escape Complicates Talks
• U.S. Threatens Military Intervention

President Claudia Sheinbaum is trying to secure a security agreement with President Donald Trump to halt the tariffs threatening Mexico and prevent unilateral military actions by the United States.

But according to The Wall Street Journal, drug-related violence and recent escapes by key figures are complicating the negotiations.

Sheinbaum Seeks Deal with Trump

Why It Matters

The Trump administration has warned it may designate drug cartels as terrorist organizations and has not ruled out using military force if Mexico does not act decisively.

Sheinbaum is betting on a diplomatic solution and strengthening cooperation, but scandals and internal weaknesses in security are straining bilateral relations.

What We Know, According to the WSJ

According to the WSJ, Sheinbaum “seeks to avoid unilateral U.S. military actions, such as the deployment of drones to destroy fentanyl labs or the use of U.S. Special Forces to capture drug kingpins.”

The escape of Zhi Dong Zhang—a Chinese national under investigation for fentanyl trafficking and money laundering—occurred while he was under house arrest in Mexico.

“He escaped through a hole in the wall of the house where he was being held by the Mexican National Guard,” officials told the Journal.

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“The escape enraged Sheinbaum, who is under pressure from the Trump administration to dismantle the powerful criminal organizations responsible for smuggling fentanyl and other drugs into the U.S.,” sources familiar with the matter said.

The president publicly criticized the judge in the case:

“The judge should have ordered the detention of a foreign national facing such serious charges, rather than placing him under house arrest.”

The Bigger Picture

Trump has made the removal of tariffs on Mexican products conditional on Mexico taking tougher action against organized crime.

The U.S. administration has expressed willingness to act unilaterally.

“These incidents, which highlight the deep penetration of organized crime into all levels of Mexican society and government, could weaken Sheinbaum’s position,” warns the WSJ.

White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly emphasized: “Trump has made it very clear that Mexico must do more to combat these gangs and cartels, and the United States is willing to help and expand the already close cooperation between our two countries.”

Sheinbaum responded after securing a 90-day extension on the 30% tariffs that Trump wanted to impose: “Respecting our territory.”

Between the Lines

The article also mentions the case of Hernán Bermúdez Requena, former Public Security Chief in Tabasco, accused of leading the criminal group “La Barredora” and politically linked to figures within Sheinbaum’s ruling party.

Academic Sergio Aguayo added that the collusion between organized crime and Mexican authorities “has historical roots dating back over a hundred years,” and breaking that link “could destabilize Sheinbaum’s ruling party.”

“How far can Sheinbaum go? We don’t know,” said Aguayo.

In Summary: Sheinbaum Seeks to Avoid Tariffs

Claudia Sheinbaum is navigating turbulent waters, facing pressure from Washington, internal security missteps, and a deeply entrenched criminal network.

While she favors dialogue with Trump, internal challenges may undermine her efforts to preserve sovereignty and avoid tariffs or military sanctions.

Do you think the U.S. should intervene militarily in Mexico if the cartels continue to grow in power?

SOURCE: El Universal