Mexico approves military exercises with U.S. Marines amid cartel tensions

On March 21, 2025, Mexico's Senate approved a series of joint military exercises aimed at enhancing the capabilities of its military forces. This decision marks a significant shift in Mexican military collaboration with the United States, especially in light of the ongoing challenges posed by drug cartels. The joint exercise, named Amphibian Phoenix 2025, will involve the deployment of 155 U.S. Marines who will travel to Mexico to train Mexican Navy infantrymen. In addition to the U.S. Marines heading to Mexico, the exercise also entails 53 Mexican troops traveling to California for specialized training sessions. These coordinated efforts are intended to bolster Mexico’s military operational capabilities, particularly in amphibian operations. The exercises are set to commence next week and are expected to continue into April. Historically, there has been resistance from Mexican leadership towards American military involvement due to concerns of sovereignty and the implications of U.S. influence in domestic affairs. Both current President Claudia Sheinbaum and her predecessor, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, previously opposed U.S. governmental involvement in military and law enforcement aspects. However, the geopolitical landscape shifted with the Trump administration's assertive posture regarding drug trafficking and cartel activity in Mexico. The relationship between the U.S. and Mexico became strained under Trump's leadership, particularly due to his high-profile threats of tariffs against Mexico in response to what he described as an intolerable relationship with drug cartels. In response, the Mexican government has slowly begun to adjust its stance, seeking to strengthen military ties and coordinate efforts with the U.S. to address cartel activities more effectively, signaling a pragmatic approach to dealing with military collaboration.