Mexico’s Fake War on Cartels: A Smokescreen to Keep U.S. Tariffs Away

What Happened

Mexico would have you believe that it's taking a tough stance on the cartels.

Sure, the Mexican government has ramped up heavily publicized drug busts, extradited some high-profile criminals, and pushed the narrative that they were tough on crime.

But behind the scenes, the very same cartels that are supposedly under heavy fire from the government have continued to operate with impunity. They are shielded by both political and law enforcement corruption.

The real motive behind Mexico's sudden push would appear to be an effort to avoid extreme economic retaliation from the United States, particularly the threat of heavy tariffs.

Why it Matters

Last week, Mexico handed over notorious drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero. He was responsible for the 1985 torture and murder of DEA agent Enrique 'Kiki' Camarena. After decades of protection within Mexico, he was finally extradited to the United States.

This move was meant to give testament to Mexico's supposed militant attitude toward dismantling the cartels. But the reality is far different. Caro Quintero had been losing influence for quite some time, and his arrest was more of a political gift than a major disruption to cartel power.

Meanwhile, more active cartel bosses, such as the leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel and Jalisco New Generation Cartel, continue operating freely. Their businesses thrive with the help of corrupt government officials.

The fentanyl crisis is another example of Mexico’s double-dealing. Recently, Mexican authorities made headlines with a record fentanyl bust in Sinaloa. Over 600,000 fentanyl pills were seized, and the government made sure that the bust made waves in the U.S. media.

But as recently as 2022, reports surfaced that Mexican military officials had been leaking information to the Sinaloa Cartel. They tipped off the cartel about law enforcement movements.

In one case, leaked military intelligence revealed how cartel leaders were given advanced warning of raids. This allowed them to escape or shift operations. Despite public displays of enforcement, these connections remain intact.

Mexico’s sudden 'tough stance' cartel policy comes at a time when U.S. pressure is mounting. President Trump has already threatened 25% tariffs on Mexican imports if the government fails to stop cartel-driven drug trafficking and illegal immigration.

Rather than actually dismantling the cartels, Mexico is choosing the easier route — making symbolic arrests, staging large seizures, and feeding the American media a story that benefits them economically.

This strategy is nothing new. During the Obama administration, Mexican leaders performed similar theatrics. They arrested cartel bosses like El Chapo Guzmán while cartel operations continued uninterrupted.

The same is happening now. While Mexico parades its cooperation with the U.S., cartel territories remain lawless, and members act with impunity.

In Michoacán, entire communities live under cartel rule, paying taxes to criminal groups and fearing brutal executions for stepping out of line. In areas controlled by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, police forces are either non-existent or completely infiltrated.

How it Affects You

Although the media continues to report on high-profile arrests and record drug busts, don't be fooled. Active cartel leaders remain virtually untouched, government officials are cooperating with drug lords.

Mexico's sudden apparent interest in fighting the cartels conveniently aligns with Trump's threats of U.S. economic retaliation in the form of 25% tariffs. Don't be deceived, the cartels are not being dismantled. They’re being managed for political convenience.