U.S. Ambassador To Mexico Claims Cartels Are 'Going Bankrupt' Due To Enhanced Border Security

U.S. ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson said cartels are "going bankrupt" as a result of increased enforcement operations resulting from collaboration between both countries.

Johnson made the claim in a social media publication, echoing a previous statement by White House border czar Tom Homan, who said criminal organizations are "broke."

"We have a safe border, patrols are doing their job. Cartels are suffering and president Trump, with his effort and leadership, will wipe cartels off the face of the earth. This will make not only the U.S. safer, but also Mexico," Homan added this week.

Johnson, on his end, said he backed Homan's statements, adding that "in Mexico fentanyl seizures are up." "Under Donald Trump and Claudia Sheinbaum's leadership, cartels are going bankrupt and our countries are safer because of it," he added.

The Trump administration has made of fighting cartels a central aspect of his relationship with Mexico. In fact, he said on Thursday when extending the deadline to reach a trade deal with the country that Mexico will "continue to pay a 25% fentanyl tariff."

He had announced 30% tariffs on imports over claims that it's not doing enough to prevent the region from becoming a "Narco-Trafficking Playground." Even though Mexico has been "helping" him increase border security, it was "not enough," Trump said.

Trump also claimed in mid July that cartels have "very strong control over Mexico," reiterating his claim about the criminal organizations' influence in the country.

Trump made the statement while signing a law aimed at fighting fentanyl trafficking. He added that "Mexican authorities are petrified to show up at their office, to go to work because cartels have a tremendous grip" on the country and its politicians. "Can't let that happen," he added.