On Thursday, June 18, 2026, Mexico City’s president Claudia Sheinbaum addressed recent comments made by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Mexico’s security situation. Trump had suggested that Mexico has lost control over organized crime groups, a claim Sheinbaum firmly rejected during her morning press conference.

Sheinbaum emphasized that the Mexican state remains active and coordinated in its security efforts. “The Mexican state exists,” she declared, countering the narrative that the government has lost control to drug cartels. She highlighted the ongoing work of the security cabinet, which includes Secretary of Security Omar García Harfuch, Secretary of National Defense Ricardo Trevilla, and Secretary of the Navy Raymundo Pedro Morales Ángeles.

The president pointed to measurable results under her administration’s strategy: a 46% reduction in intentional homicides and over a 70% decrease in fentanyl trafficking to the U.S. via land routes. She underscored the dedication and commitment of security agencies, stating, “There is work, dedication, conviction, love for the people, and love for the homeland.”

Sheinbaum also stressed the importance of bilateral cooperation with U.S. authorities to combat transnational crime, while making clear that her government will defend Mexico’s sovereignty and national interests.

Regarding Trump’s remarks about potentially reviewing or canceling the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA or T-MEC), Sheinbaum assured that Mexico will continue negotiations to reduce trade barriers, including tariffs on steel, and maintain a favorable economic relationship with the U.S. She noted that Mexican exports to the U.S. are still growing.

While Sheinbaum declined to engage in a personal confrontation with Trump, she reiterated that her administration’s priority is to preserve constructive bilateral cooperation without compromising Mexico’s sovereignty.

For migrants and international residents in Mexico, this stance signals a government committed to security improvements and economic stability, balancing cooperation with the U.S. and national autonomy.