Mexico Deploys Elite Police Unit To Counter Criminal Organizations In The Arizona-Sonora Border

Mexican authorities have deployed an elite police unit in the border between Sonora and Arizona to counter activities from criminal organizations.

Concretely, Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo said the Division de Operaciones Fronterizas will operate on a series of bases in northern Sonora and will focus on human trafficking, drug smuggling, among other crimes.

"The collaboration between the governments of Mexico, the United States and the state of Sonora continues to bear results that strengthen our bilateral relations," said Durazo when announcing the initiative.

"The formation of this new border unit is a firm step toward a border that is more modern and secure and where there is more cooperation to benefits communities on both sides," he added, according to Border Report.

U.S. ambassador to Mexico Ron Johnson praised the development, saying the new unit is a "concrete step to stop the flow of illicit drugs, weapons and people while boosting trade and community ties."

"A secure border benefits both countries, creating an environment where citizens can prosper. Border security is a shared priority," Johnson added.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, on her end, said the force would be in touch with U.S. counterparts. "There is communication in border states – from our regional Defense commander to the Northern Command – more so now that the U.S. Army is present on the border. There has to be communication," she said.

The deployment comes amid tensions between Trump and Sheinbaum over the former's reported authorization for U.S. troops to use military force against Latin American cartels deemed terrorist organizations by his administration.

The New York Times explained that the decision is the most aggressive step taken by the administration, illustrating Trump's willingness to crack down on criminal organizations. It added that the order provides an official basis to conduct military operations at sea and on foreign soil.

Military officials have begun drawing up options, but no clear operations are detailed. Responding to questions about the decision, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said "President Trump's top priority is protecting the homeland, which is why he took the bold step to designate several cartels and gangs as foreign terrorist organizations."

Sheinbaum, in turn, told reporters the directive does not mention any military action on Mexican soil.

"It has to do with their country, within the United States," she said. She then dismissed the idea of a U.S. invasion outright, adding, "That is ruled out — absolutely ruled out — because we have made it clear in every call that such action is neither allowed nor part of any agreement."