Latin American bloc backs Mexico against US accusations of interference
Member countries of the Latin American bloc ALBA-TCP have expressed solidarity with Mexico while rejecting what they describe as “slander and interference” from the United States.
In a statement, the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America-People’s Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) dismissed accusations from Washington that Mexico’s government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, collaborates with drug cartels. The bloc called these claims “unfounded.”
“They are trying to criminalize Mexico while ignoring the historical responsibility of the US government in the crisis of violence and drug trafficking that affects our region,” the Caracas-based alliance said.
ALBA-TCP blames US arms policies
The Latin American bloc also accused the United States of fueling violence in the region by being the “main supplier of high-powered weapons to criminal groups.”
“Coupled with its negligent health policies and the irresponsibility of pharmaceutical corporations, the US continues to claim thousands of lives every year,” the statement added.
The bloc expressed support for Mexico’s efforts to combat organized crime, emphasizing its “commitment to security and justice.” It also condemned “unilateral actions that violate international law.”
Trade tensions escalate between US and Mexico
On Saturday, US President Donald Trump alleged that the Mexican government has ties to criminal organizations. President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected these claims, highlighting Mexico’s continued fight against drug trafficking and crime.
Following Trump’s remarks, the US announced a 25% tariff on Mexican imports. In response, Sheinbaum imposed counter-tariffs on American goods, further escalating trade tensions between the two nations.
Sheinbaum rejects US interference
Responding to the White House’s allegations, Sheinbaum turned the focus onto the US arms industry, accusing it of supplying weapons to criminal groups.
“If any alliances exist, they are in the United States’ weapons industry, which sells high-powered firearms to these criminal groups, as the US Department of Justice itself confirmed in January this year,” she asserted.
Sheinbaum firmly rejected any foreign interference, stating:
“We outright reject the White House’s baseless claims that the Mexican government is aligned with criminal organizations, as well as any attempt to intervene in our country’s affairs.”
Call for diplomacy
Despite escalating tensions, Sheinbaum emphasized Mexico’s commitment to diplomacy, stating that her government prefers cooperation over conflict in handling bilateral relations.
