President Claudia Sheinbaum said she will continue protecting the state of Sinaloa using federal forces to ensure the security of its population [1, 2].
This commitment comes as the region faces rising violence and a persistent reputation as a hub for drug trafficking. By deploying federal resources, the administration aims to stabilize the area while countering the narrative that the state is defined solely by criminal activity [1, 2].
During her visit to the state, Sheinbaum said that the residents of Sinaloa are not alone in their struggle for safety. She rejected the stigmatization of the region, saying that federal presence is necessary to guarantee peace and order [2].
"Vamos a seguir protegiendo a Sinaloa," Sheinbaum said [1].
The president also addressed the bilateral nature of the security crisis, linking the flow of narcotics to the flow of weaponry. She said that while Mexico works to prevent drugs from moving north, the U.S. must take equivalent responsibility for the weapons moving south [2].
"Decimos siempre la verdad," Sheinbaum said. "Si ellos no quieren que estamos ayudando a que pasen drogas de México a Estados Unidos, también ellos tienen que hacer su parte para que dejen de entrar armas de Estados Unidos a México" [2].
Sheinbaum's presence in the state was supported by a heavy security apparatus to ensure her safety during the tour [2]. The deployment of federal forces is intended to provide a buffer against local volatility, and support state-level law enforcement in maintaining public order [1, 2].
“"Vamos a seguir protegiendo a Sinaloa"”
Sheinbaum's strategy reflects a dual approach to security: increasing the visible presence of the state to deter violence while leveraging the narcotics-for-arms trade argument to pressure the U.S. government. By explicitly rejecting the 'stigmatization' of Sinaloa, she is attempting to decouple the state's civilian identity from the activities of organized crime, which is critical for local economic stability and political legitimacy.
