Mexico News Digest 11 November – 15 November

US Ambassador: Mexico rejected security aid even though its strategy did not work

US Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar issued a pointed critique of Mexico’s security strategy during remarks on Wednesday. He criticized the “hugs, not bullets” policy championed by former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, describing it as ineffective in addressing the country’s security challenges. Salazar also criticized the decision by the previous administration to reject significant US security aid, such as funds from the Mérida Initiative, which he said was dismissed for ideological reasons.

Salazar stressed the urgency of acknowledging and addressing Mexico’s security issues, adding that denial or downplaying the severity of the problem is not a viable solution. The ambassador’s remarks signal a shift in tone from his previously amicable relationship with López Obrador, as recent tensions have emerged over security and bilateral cooperation.

This critique highlights ongoing US concerns over violence and cartel influence in Mexico and reflects a broader call for reevaluating bilateral strategies to combat organized crime effectively.

Mexico will reinforce its consulates in the US in the face of possible mass deportations

The President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, said that her government is strengthening its network of consulates in the United States in the face of potential mass deportations that President-elect Donald Trump seeks to implement.

In his press conference this Tuesday, Sheinbaum answered questions from the press about Trump's threat to order mass deportations after assuming the White House in January of next year.

The president reiterated her promise to “defend” Mexican immigrants against Trump's threats through the consulates.

“We are reinforcing the Consulates,” he said. “Tell our brothers and sisters in the United States that we will always defend them, so that they should come to the Consulates.”

Mexican President Says That Relationship with the US is Coordination and Not Subordination

Sheinbaum emphasizes that Mexico's relationship with the US must be one of "coordination" and not "subordination"

The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, stated this Thursday that the relationship with the United States must always be one of "coordination" and not "subordination", following the latest diplomatic controversy unleashed between both neighboring countries due to some statements by the US ambassador, Ken Salazar.

Mexican Foreign Ministry sends diplomatic note to the US Embassy due to Salazar's expressions

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE, Chancellery) of Mexico sent a diplomatic note this Wednesday to the United States Embassy in Mexico in which it expressed its surprise at the statements of Ambassador Ken Salazar when criticizing the management of former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador (2018-2024).

Salazar assured this Wednesday at a press conference that Mexico is going through an insecurity crisis, criticized the Mexican Government for "denying the reality" of the wave of violence that is being experienced in the country and regretted the failed strategy of "hugs, not bullets." of former President López Obrador.

Canada-US agree on fears over Mexico's trade with China

The Deputy Prime Minister of Canada, Chrystia Freeland, affirmed that American concerns that Mexico's trade policy is not in line with its North American allies regarding China are “legitimate,” and she shares them.

However, he did not directly comment on whether Canada should pursue a bilateral trade deal with the US that excludes Mexico, a position advocated Tuesday by the leader of Canada's largest province, Ontario Premier Doug Ford.