Mexico rejects DEA claim of deadly cartel‑government link

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Administrator Terry Cole said there is a “deadly connection” between Mexican drug cartels and the Mexican government, calling the link “mortífera” and a top priority for the agency. President Claudia Sheinbaum denounced the remarks as unfounded, political and “very unfortunate”, urging the DEA to focus on drug trafficking, distribution and money‑laundering inside the United States. She cited a 48 % drop in homicides and other crime reductions as evidence that the Mexican government is not colluding with cartels. Mexican officials, including Deputy Kenia López Rabadán and the federal security cabinet, demanded serious, independent investigations of any alleged ties and stressed the need for transparency and respect for Mexican sovereignty. Opposition leader Ricardo Anaya echoed the criticism, saying the DEA accusations confirm suspicions of cartel‑government collusion. The Mexican government reiterated its willingness to cooperate with the United States, provided that cooperation respects Mexico’s sovereignty.