Description: Newly appointed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced US intentions to label cartels as terrorist groups indicating on possible US military action in Mexico. He noted that migration and organized crime are the US top priorities in Mexico and raised concerns of Mexico’s capabilities to adequately answer the organized crime issue. Even though military action was mentioned, the initial intention of the US government would be mutual cooperation prompting further tensions between the two countries.
Impact: Organized crime and drug cartels impose a serious security threat for both Mexico and the US. Rubio’s designation of cartels as terrorist groups could pave the way for US insurgent activities on Mexican territory which could negatively impact further relations with one of its closest regional allies. Mexico could possibly allow compromise in the field of cooperation between agencies in order to avoid further conflict with the US.