On Monday, July 6, 2026, Mexico City’s president Claudia Sheinbaum publicly accused the United States government, led by Donald Trump, of providing protection to the Sinaloa Cartel, even though it has been officially designated as a terrorist organization by the US.

Sheinbaum’s remarks came amid the recent arrest of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a key figure in the cartel. She emphasized the need to critically examine the role of the US in actions against Mexican drug cartels, highlighting a contradiction between the official designation and the alleged protection.

“It is very important to say this: the protection that has been given to a criminal group in the United States, because they named them terrorist organizations, but at the same time they are giving them protection,” Sheinbaum said, with the press clarifying she was referring specifically to the Sinaloa Cartel.

Looking ahead, Sheinbaum announced that her morning press conference on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, will focus on the arrest of “El Mayo” Zambada, who was detained on a flight arriving in the US alongside Joaquín Guzmán López, son of the infamous “El Chapo” Guzmán.

Sheinbaum promised to reveal details about statements made by Mexico’s Attorney General Alejandro Gertz Manero and the US ambassador, as well as how the cartel was allegedly protected for a period, fueling internal conflicts within the criminal group that have repercussions beyond Sinaloa.

According to the president, her presentation will include a timeline starting from the year 2000 up to the present, highlighting key moments related to “El Mayo’s” capture.

Sheinbaum also indicated that she will confirm on Tuesday whether Mexico will pursue diplomatic actions following new FBI revelations about the flight and contrasting official statements made to the Mexican government.

This unfolding situation underscores the complex and often contradictory dynamics between the US and Mexico in addressing organized crime, raising questions about accountability and cooperation in the fight against cartels.