By Fausto Carbajal Glass, Partner, Miranda Delphi Solutions
Recent developments mark a significant evolution in Mexico-US security dynamics, characterized by unprecedented cooperation alongside strategic tensions. Last month’s landmark extradition of 29 cartel leaders—including the notorious Rafael Caro Quintero and Los Zetas leadership—signals Mexico’s willingness to address longstanding American concerns about impunity for transnational criminals. This cooperation emerges against a complex backdrop of economic coercion, as evidenced by the Trump administration’s conditional suspension of tariffs. The proposed joint supermax prison represents an intriguing convergence of interests—acknowledging Mexico’s institutional weaknesses while respecting its sovereignty through collaboration rather than intervention. These developments suggest a pragmatic realignment of bilateral security priorities, with Mexico diversifying international partnerships while navigating the complex interdependence with its northern neighbor.
Canada and Mexico know what they can do to avoid tariffs in the future: Kristi Noem, US Secretary of Homeland Security.
US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that Mexico and Canada “know what to do” to avoid future tariffs following President Donald Trump’s suspension of recently implemented tariffs on goods from these countries until April 2. The tariffs, initially enacted on March 4, affect products under the USMCA agreement. In a CBS News interview, Noem expressed hope that Trump’s firm stance would strengthen alliances with both nations. She outlined specific requirements including access to criminal history systems, package identification cooperation, and technology investment. While acknowledging Canada’s appointment of a “fentanyl czar” as positive progress, Noem emphasized that the primary motivation behind the tariffs is combating fentanyl trafficking. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick clarified that the April 2 tariffs would address broader trade imbalances through “reciprocal” tariffs. Additionally, Noem committed to increasing polygraph testing for department employees after identifying staff who allegedly leaked information about immigration enforcement operations.
El Universal, 3/09/25, Redacción: Canadá y México saben qué pueden hacer para evitar aranceles en el futuro: Kristi Noem, secretaria de Seguridad Nacional de EU.
García Harfuch meets with FBI Director Kash Patel regarding the extradition of 29 drug trafficking members.
US FBI Director Kash Patel recently met with Mexico’s Secretary of Security, Omar García Harfuch, at FBI headquarters in a meeting described as a “historic milestone” following Mexico’s extradition of 29 organized crime leaders to the United States. The high-profile operation, conducted by Mexican special forces and transported via Mexican Air Force aircraft, included notorious drug kingpin Rafael Caro Quintero, who was arrested nearly three years ago after being wanted for the 1985 murder of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. Also among those extradited were Miguel and Omar Treviño Morales, leaders of the Los Zetas cartel, ending a lengthy extradition process that began with their captures in 2013 and 2015 respectively. This significant security cooperation coincided with a Washington visit by top Mexican officials including Foreign Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente and García Harfuch, who were meeting with US counterparts to discuss potential trade and security agreements. Mexico’s Attorney General had previously described the long-delayed extradition process as “truly shameful”.
Proceso, 3/07/25, Redacción: García Harfuch se reúne con el director del FBI, Kash Patel por envío de 29 miembros del narcotráfico.
Terrorist designations and fentanyl: Useful tools to address arms trafficking?
The US designation of six Mexican criminal organizations as terrorist groups presents both challenges and opportunities for Mexico-US security cooperation. While not ideal for bilateral relations, this development emerged partly from Mexico’s previous administration’s dismissal of the fentanyl crisis as an exclusively American problem, which ignored the comparable human toll in both nations. Statistical parallels highlight shared tragedies: Mexico’s homicide rate (24 per 100,000) mirrors the US overdose death rate (25 per 100,000). Specific regions show even more striking similarities – Baja California’s homicide rate (69 per 100,000) parallels West Virginia’s overdose rate (70.5 per 100,000). Rather than viewing this designation negatively, Mexico could leverage it to address weapons trafficking from the US, as the designation criminalizes material support to these organizations. Data shows over two-thirds of weapons recovered in Mexico originate from the US, with 74% of global weapons trace requests coming from Mexico. The most productive approach requires Mexico to reframe the narrative – acknowledging fentanyl and firearms trafficking as two sides of the same coin affecting both nations. By emphasizing their interconnected “mortality excess” crises, Mexico can push for coordinated bilateral action while continuing its legal case against US gun manufacturers at the Supreme Court.
Nexos, 3/04/25, Cecilia Farfán: Designaciones terroristas y fentanilo: ¿Herramientas útiles para atender el tráfico de armas?
Mexico and US explore project to create maximum security prison for drug cartel leaders.
Mexico and the United States have begun discussions to develop a joint supermax prison project specifically designed for organized crime leaders, according to media reports. The primary objective is to completely isolate cartel bosses from outside communication, thereby crippling their ability to direct criminal operations from behind bars. The concept of a “capos-only” mega-prison has gained significant traction in Washington, viewed as a collaborative strategy to dismantle the six criminal organizations designated as terrorist entities by the White House. This facility would be the first of its kind in Mexico and would be developed with guidance from US experts in high-security penitentiary systems. The initiative addresses longstanding concerns about Mexico’s prison system, which has been plagued by inmate self-governance and security deficiencies. The proposed facility would feature cutting-edge technology including cell signal jammers, triple perimeter protection, masked guards, anonymous judges, and AI-powered surveillance with facial recognition capabilities. The project may draw inspiration from El Salvador’s controversial “Terrorism Confinement Center” established by President Nayib Bukele in 2023.
El Imparcial, 3/06/25, Jairo Vazquez: México y Estados Unidos analizan construir cárcel de máxima seguridad para líderes del crimen organizado.
Delivery and security: Why do women in Mexico prefer to order food delivery?
Recent data from DiDi Food reveals significant shifts in Mexican women’s consumption habits through food delivery services in 2024. Women have emerged as a key demographic within food delivery apps, showing distinct preferences for café items, healthy food, desserts, and both Mexican and Asian cuisine.
The most ordered items among women highlight an interesting balance between indulgence and health-consciousness, with cakes ranking first, followed by salads, tacos, pizzas, and hamburgers. This demonstrates that while healthy options remain popular, comfort food and sweet treats still dominate their preferences. Notably, the top ten cities with the highest concentration of female delivery orders are predominantly in northern Mexico, including Culiacán, Victoria, Torreón, and Navojoa. This geographical pattern suggests that delivery services may serve not only as a convenience but also as a security measure, offering women a safer alternative to dining out in regions that have faced security challenges.
El Economista, 3/08/25, Diego López: Delivery y seguridad: ¿Por qué las mujeres en México prefieren pedir comida a domicilio?
Mexico and Italy sign security agreement.
Mexico and Italy have formalized their commitment to combat international organized crime through a letter of intent signed between Mexico’s Ministry of Security (SSPC), Italy’s Ministry of Justice, and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI). This initial agreement aims to strengthen cooperation in penitentiary management, information exchange, and security strategies. Elizalde described it as the first step toward bilateral collaboration against criminal networks that operate across borders. A comprehensive memorandum of understanding is planned for the coming months to further enhance justice systems and security measures. The Italian Deputy Minister affirmed Italy’s multidisciplinary relationship with Mexico, offering to share their expertise in fighting mafia organizations that collaborate with Mexican cartels. Both nations acknowledged that effective crime-fighting requires international cooperation, with Italy’s anti-criminal organization strategies being globally recognized. The agreement includes adopting innovative crime prevention policies and sharing best practices to strengthen institutions and promote a culture of legality.
Excelsior, 3/08/25, Raúl Flores: Firma México e Italia acuerdo de seguridad.
If you would like to talk to Fausto about our services in risk and security consulting, please email him at fausto.carbajal@miranda-partners.com
More information can be found at: https://miranda-partners.com/jvs-delphi-solutions/
Download PDF: MI-SecurityChatter-031225