Homicides in Mexico reached 43,000 in 2025, the highest level ever recorded, with more than 60 percent attributed to organized crime violence. Cartel territorial battles have expanded beyond traditional strongholds to previously peaceful states, and cartel organizations are demonstrating increasing sophistication in corrupting state institutions. Mexico's federal security forces have been largely unable to reverse the deterioration.
The Trump administration has designated several major Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, a categorization that creates legal authority for expanded US law enforcement and potentially military action on Mexican territory. Mexico City has protested the designation as a violation of sovereignty. The bilateral relationship is further strained by disputes over migration, trade, and narcotics enforcement cooperation.
