A bipartisan congressional delegation from Texas has successfully encouraged Mexico’s legislature to approve a joint military exercise between the U.S. and Mexican armed forces. This exercise, which will involve 19 members of the U.S. Navy SEAL Team 2 training alongside the Mexican Navy in Campeche on the Gulf of Mexico, faced initial resistance from Mexican lawmakers particularly following the recent capture of ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. However, after meetings with the U.S. delegation, support for the exercise grew, leading to its eventual approval.
The delegation, led by retiring Republican Representative Michael McCaul, who formerly chaired the House Foreign Affairs Committee, worked to highlight the importance of the joint exercise. Their visit enabled discussions focused on various issues including regional security, counternarcotics efforts, immigration, trade, agriculture, and infrastructure at the border. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum endorsed the participation of the U.S. service members, and the country’s Senate later unanimously approved their entry.
McCaul and Democratic Representative Henry Cuellar, who co-chair the Mexico-United States Interparliamentary Group, expressed that the permission for the military activity was a pivotal goal of their recent visit. Cuellar underscored the significance of their discussions, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to bolster border security, tackle the disturbing trend of fentanyl trafficking, and uphold commitments regarding cross-border trade and agricultural support.
The backdrop for this military cooperation is a heightened concern over drug cartels, particularly as the U.S. government confronts increasing fentanyl trafficking from Mexico. During the latest developments, a drone linked to a Mexican cartel intruded into U.S. airspace, necessitating a swift response from officials in Texas to secure the area around El Paso International Airport.
This joint exercise marks a significant step in U.S.-Mexico relations as both countries seek to enhance safety and counter narcotics operations amidst ongoing challenges with drug trafficking. The proposed collaboration not only aims to strengthen military ties but also reflects an overarching commitment to address critical issues affecting both nations.