'We Negotiate, But We Never Submit'; Sheinbaum Sets Limits in the Face of Trump's Threats

“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat 

This was in response to former President Donald Trump’s threats of possible actions against drug cartels on Mexican soil.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum affirmed this Saturday that the country “negotiates” with its neighbors, but “never subordinates itself,” amid repeated threats from US President Donald Trump of possible ground attacks against drug cartels.

At a public event in the border state of Tamaulipas, Sheinbaum reiterated that “Mexico will always be a free, independent, and sovereign country.”

“And here on this border, it’s even more symbolic to say this. The president is clear about her principles,” the Mexican leader stated.

“We negotiate, we work with our neighbors, but we never subordinate ourselves,” she affirmed.

Sheinbaum’s statements come after Trump insisted in an interview published today by The New York Post on the possibility of launching a ground attack against drug cartels “anywhere,” including Mexico.

They also come after last week’s extradition of 37 Mexican prisoners to the United States, as well as the capture and transfer to that country of Canadian drug trafficker and former Olympic athlete Ryan James Wedding.

Wedding’s arrest in Mexican territory occurred during the visit of the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Kash Patel, who traveled to the country to strengthen coordination and information sharing on security matters, amid pressure from Washington for Mexico to intensify its fight against drug trafficking.

Wedding was considered one of the most wanted fugitives by the United States, accused of drug trafficking and with alleged ties to the Sinaloa Cartel, according to U.S. authorities.

Separately, Mexico reported the transfer to the United States of 37 prisoners from various correctional facilities, considered “a real threat to security” and wanted for their links to criminal organizations.

This is the third such transfer during the administration of Sheinbaum, who took office in October 2024, following two transfers carried out in 2025, amidst increasing pressure from Trump, who has insisted that Mexico isn’t doing enough to combat the cartels.

Source: El Siglo de Torreón