U.S. officials are pressuring Mexico to take legal action against several politicians from President Claudia Sheinbaum’s Morena party, urging investigations into alleged ties with organized crime. According to sources familiar with the matter, the Trump administration also wants Mexico to extradite any suspects facing criminal charges to the United States.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly brought up these demands multiple times in bilateral meetings, aiming to push Sheinbaum’s administration to launch a historic crackdown on narco-related corruption. Four sources indicated that the U.S. is focused on current elected officials, signaling a tougher stance.
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During these discussions, American officials specifically called for action against several Morena party members. Two sources said they even warned of potential new tariffs if Mexico failed to act. These conversations, not previously reported, reflect growing U.S. frustration over cartel influence in Mexican politics.
However, Mexico’s Foreign Ministry denied any formal request from the U.S. to investigate or prosecute officials. In a post on X, the ministry stated, “It is absolutely false that in the meetings with Secretary Rubio or his team at the State Department, that requests have been made to investigate, prosecute or extradite any Mexican official.”
Reuters could not confirm whether the U.S. provided a specific list of suspected politicians or supporting evidence. Nor was it able to verify if those named had committed any wrongdoing.
Two sources mentioned that five current Morena officials and one former senator were under scrutiny. Among them was Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Avila, who responded to Reuters by reaffirming her administration’s efforts to fight organized crime and reduce homicide rates.
“I categorically deny any claims linking me to organized crime,” Avila said. Mexico’s presidency, Attorney General’s Office, and Security Ministry declined to comment. U.S. agencies, including the White House and the State Department, also did not respond to Reuters’ inquiries.
