Overview
- President Claudia Sheinbaum said Monday that the raid that killed cartel leader Rubén Nemesio “El Mencho” is not part of negotiations on T-MEC, the North American trade pact.
- Her position departs from Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard, who earlier said the action could help the talks by showing Mexico is confronting organized crime.
- El Mencho died on February 22 during a federal operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco that used U.S. intelligence support, and prosecutors later confirmed his identity.
- The killing triggered roadblocks and vehicle burnings in Jalisco, Michoacán and Colima, with reports of at least 25 National Guard members killed.
- Sheinbaum said Mexico aims to keep the pact and roll back U.S. tariffs imposed since 2025 on autos, steel and aluminum, and officials are reviewing recent U.S. changes.