On November 21st, TCFR hosted a roundtable in collaboration with the University of Arizona to discuss U.S. Mexico Security and Defense in the wake of two new administrations.
The roundtable featured a distinguished panel, including:
General Gregory M. Guillot, Commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM).
Dr. Raúl Benitez Manaut, Professor at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and President of the Collective for the Analysis of Security with Democracy (CASEDE); and
Dr. Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera, Professor at George Mason University and author of Los Zetas Inc.: Criminal Corporations, Energy, and Civil War in Mexico.
Moderated by TCFR Board Member and University of Arizona Assistant Professor of Practice Michael Burgoyne, the event began with remarks from Rafael Barceló, the Mexican Consul in Tucson, framing a robust discussion on security, trade, and shared challenges.
On October 1st, Claudia Sheinbaum became Mexico’s first woman president. Former President Donald Trump was elected to the presidency in the United States again. With more than 30,000 homicides annually in Mexico and over 100,000 U.S. annual drug overdose deaths driven by fentanyl, panelists emphasized that cooperation is more critical than ever. Mexico plays a key role in North American defense, and $1.5 million in trade crosses the U.S.-Mexico border every minute. The discussion explored the dual challenges of rising cartel violence and domestic drug overdoses in the U.S., highlighting a need for actionable solutions. Here are the main takeaways:
“Two Fantastically Complex and Dynamic Societies”
General Gregory Guillot underscored the importance of strong military and economic ties between the U.S. and Mexico. He described efforts to bolster security through NORAD’s collaboration with the Mexican military, focusing on air and maritime defenses. Guillot highlighted Operation Phoenix, calling it “a series of maritime exercises aimed at enhancing interoperability and open seas interdiction compatibility.”,” He stressed the value of trilateral partnerships with Canada.
Trade was another pillar of Guillot’s remarks: “Trade is essential to each economy; we are inextricably linked.” He also noted that partnerships between the U.S. and Mexico “have never been stronger.” Cybersecurity efforts, including bilateral seminars, will be crucial in protecting critical infrastructure during major events like the upcoming World Cup in North America.
Current Security Strategies Fall Short Against Cartels
Dr. Raúl Benitez Manaut pointed to the limitations of Mexico’s current approach to combating organized crime. With over 30,000 homicides annually, he argued that restoring public trust should be a top priority for the Sheinbaum administration. “No matter if the governments have problems, we need to work together,” Benitez said, emphasizing the importance of U.S.-Mexico cooperation.
He reflected on the historical ties between the nations, such as Mexico’s Navy sending aid to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, to underscore the potential for constructive collaboration. He continued, detailing the dichotomy of rhetoric in both countries.
Transnational Crime Organization– Not “Cartels”
Dr. Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera expressed concerns about militarization in public security policies and critiqued existing strategies as inadequate for dismantling transnational criminal networks. The United States is declaring war on “cartels”, but this rhetoric is dangerous, as there are connected groups of criminals all over North America infringing on human rights in a multitude of ways. Along with this, the former president is challenging connected nations, with verbiage that negates the conflict and provides different visions of integration and collaboration. “Human trafficking networks are complex,” Dr. Correa-Cabrera said, highlighting the need for comprehensive immigration reform in the United States. The U.S. Consul General in Nogales, Michelle Ward, noted Mexico’s critical economic role, with Nogales alone accounting for 60% of winter produce imported to the U.S. and sustaining a $32 billion agricultural trade relationship.
How will TCOs React to the U.S. Policy Change?
These issues are transnational, as Transnational Crime Organizations are connected to drugs, humans, and organizations revolving around crime networks. Dr. Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera and Dr. Raúl Benitez Manaut agreed on the matter that the United States is not focusing on the largest issue, and instead doing a push and pull with undocumented immigrants. This has not been looked at correctly, as the United States is dysfunctional and has a broken immigration system, which instills cyclical issues that continue to be weaponized.
Militarization
NORTHCOM is right for the job was widely discussed, specifically if the proposed domestic use of the military will help or hurt. Former President Trump has indicated that he will utilize the U.S. military on the southern border and he threatened the implementation of 25% tariffs on imports if U.S. security and migration concerns are not addressed by the Mexican government. Dr. Correa-Cabrera militarized public security and questioned its effectiveness. Dr. Benitez Manaut likewise expressed a need for additional analysis of criminal networks and fentanyl trafficking.
The U.S.-Mexico Roundtable served as a platform for addressing complex challenges in the U.S.-Mexico security relationship border, emphasizing the need for mutual trust, innovative solutions, and a balance between security and humanitarian considerations–and the stakes have never been higher.
Sources
The U.S.-Mexico Roundtable at the University of Arizona, on November 21st.
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