During her morning press conference on Tuesday, January 6, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed two issues that have drawn international attention: the legal proceedings facing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in the United States and concerns over a potential foreign intervention in Mexico amid the fentanyl crisis.
Call for a fair judicial process
Referring to the case involving the Venezuelan leader, who is being held and prosecuted in New York, Sheinbaum stressed the importance of guaranteeing an impartial trial that fully respects due process, both for Maduro and for his wife.
She noted that the next court appearance is scheduled for March 2026 and said the demand must be clear: swift proceedings and justice under any circumstances. Sheinbaum emphasized that this principle should apply universally, without exception.
Fentanyl and national sovereignty
On the issue of fentanyl trafficking and fears of a possible U.S. intervention in Mexico, the president acknowledged that the scale of organized crime and drug trafficking has fueled international pressure. However, she underscored that this does not mean a direct intervention is imminent.
She recalled that when organized crime was designated as terrorism, Mexico introduced changes to Articles 40 and 19 of the Constitution to strengthen the defense of national sovereignty.
Sheinbaum concluded by reaffirming the Mexican government’s firm commitment to the principles of non-intervention and self-determination. At the same time, she highlighted dialogue with the United States as the primary avenue for addressing shared challenges, particularly those related to security and the fight against drug trafficking.
