Texas Sen. Ted Cruz (R) warned Wednesday that Mexico risked damaging its relationship with the United States and international security by “undermining” efforts by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
In a letter to Attorney General William Barr and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the senator slammed elements of Mexico’s government that he said were attempting to stonewall the prosecution of two former Mexican government officials accused of having connections to the H-2 cartel.
One former official, remanded from U.S. to Mexican custody, has yet to face charges over his alleged cartel connections despite an “understanding” between the U.S. and Mexico that such prosecution would happen if the official was extradited, Cruz wrote.
“United States’ diplomats and officials should utilize their voices and the influence of the United States to make it clear to the Mexican government that attacking or undermining the DEA is unacceptable, and that such action calls into question the strength of the U.S.-Mexican relationship, which might have to be reevaluated,” Cruz said Wednesday.
His letter comes as Mexican lawmakers are considering a bill that would force any state, local or federal official to seek permission from a high-ranking security panel before meeting with agents of foreign governments, including the U.S., and submit a report based on the interaction afterwards.
Experts have warned that the bill would lower the effectiveness of any information gleaned from Mexican authorities regarding drug cartel activities, according to The Washington Post, which cited current and former U.S. federal officials who warned that any information in reports to the security panel would be widely distributed and subject to corruption or leaks.
The Hill
