Mexico City’s President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo criticized the involvement of US agencies in Mexico’s security operations, pointing to a recent incident involving the capture of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada as a clear example of how foreign interference can escalate violence. Speaking during her press conference on Friday, July 10, 2026, Sheinbaum argued that agreements made by the US Department of Justice with one criminal group against another within the Sinaloa Cartel have fueled internal betrayals and violence.

Sheinbaum highlighted that the transfer of El Mayo Zambada to the United States—allegedly facilitated by another cartel member, Joaquín Guzmán López, with US participation—triggered a violent split inside the cartel. She emphasized that such unilateral actions violate Mexico’s sovereignty and worsen security challenges.

The president called for improved collaboration between Mexican and US authorities, stressing that cooperation should be legal, transparent, and inclusive of all 32 Mexican states without political bias. She cited Chihuahua as an example, where despite controversy over CIA involvement, homicide rates remain high, underscoring the limits of unilateral foreign operations.

Sheinbaum also referenced past experiences, including the administration of Felipe Calderón, warning that alliances with one criminal faction against another only deepen violence. “Calderón protected the Sinaloa Cartel against other groups, which provoked more violence,” she said, distancing her government from such tactics.

While affirming that key cartel figures like El Mayo Zambada and Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán and his sons should be detained based on evidence, Sheinbaum stressed that Mexico’s approach relies on respecting sovereignty and joint efforts. She pointed to a 70% reduction in fentanyl trafficking into the US since her administration began, attributing this success to coordinated intelligence sharing and mutual respect.

Sheinbaum also questioned the FBI’s public display of the plane used in the operation to capture El Mayo Zambada, interpreting it as proof of US interference without informing Mexican authorities. She noted conflicting accounts about how the cartel leaders were apprehended—one suggesting a chance encounter at the border, the other implying a coordinated FBI operation—calling for the Mexican Attorney General’s office to investigate potential legal violations.

Although she has not yet raised the issue directly with the US president, Sheinbaum said discussions are underway through Mexico’s Attorney General and the US Department of Justice, leaving open the possibility of future diplomatic talks.

Her remarks reflect ongoing tensions over cross-border security cooperation and highlight the delicate balance between fighting organized crime and respecting national sovereignty—an issue that resonates deeply with Mexico’s diverse population, including migrants and international residents seeking transparent and just governance.