Mexico seeks to amend its constitution following the recognition of drug cartels as terrorists.

The President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, announced that her party has proposed constitutional reforms to better protect the country's sovereignty. This move is a response to the United States recognizing certain drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

This information comes from RBK-Ukraine citing The Washington Post.

"This (recognition of cartels as terrorists - ed.) cannot be an opportunity for the U.S. to infringe on our sovereignty," Sheinbaum stated, adding that Mexico will collaborate in the fight against organized crime but will not agree to "subordination."

According to an analysis by the Wilson Center, the designation of "foreign terrorist organization" allows the U.S. State Department to impose special sanctions and expands the U.S. government's ability to pursue individuals supporting these groups, as well as to gather intelligence on military activities.

The issue of granting such status to the cartels has been raised multiple times by American lawmakers, but Mexico has opposed this idea due to concerns that it may lead to U.S. military intervention and negatively impact Mexico's global reputation.

WP notes that constitutional changes are more common in Mexico than in the United States. Sheinbaum has carried out at least 12 constitutional reforms by January 30, after taking office on October 1, 2024.

Recall that the State Department announced eight Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, as they pose a threat to national security, foreign policy, and economic interests of the U.S.

The list includes Tren de Aragua, Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), Cártel de Sinaloa, Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación, Cártel del Noreste (formerly Los Zetas), La Nueva Familia Michoacana, Cártel de Golfo (Gulf Cartel), and Cárteles Unidos as FTO and SDGT.