U.S. Secretary Rubio says Mexican cartels dominate vast regions, urges stronger joint action

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told leaders in Ecuador that terrorist drug cartels now dominate vast areas of Mexico, leaving the government unable to assert full control. He pointed to recurring murders of political candidates, judges and journalists as proof that security is Mexico's top concern. Rubio emphasized that the United States stands ready to intervene, either jointly with Mexico or independently, and noted that several Central and South American countries have already welcomed U.S. military support to target cartels.

He criticized President Claudia Sheinbaum for invoking national sovereignty to keep U.S. troops out, despite her allowing some intelligence exchange between the two nations. Rubio also referenced the controversial figure of Sinaloa governor Ruben Rocha Moya, who faces U.S. drug-trafficking and weapons charges, and whose defense by Sheinbaum has drawn international scrutiny. The statements underscore growing pressure on Mexico to deepen cooperation with the United States to curb cartel violence.