Sheinbaum denies investigation into Maduro for links to the Sinaloa Cartel.

Amid rising diplomatic tensions, President Claudia Sheinbaum categorically ruled out any investigation in Mexico linking Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to the Sinaloa Cartel, as recently claimed by the United States government.

"This is the first time we've heard of this. There's no investigation, on the part of Mexico, into this, nothing. As we always say: if you have any evidence, show it."

His statements come after the U.S. State Department announced it had increased the reward for Nicolás Maduro's capture to $50 million, classifying the South American leader as "a threat to national security."

In a move that marks an escalation of its foreign policy toward Venezuela, the Donald Trump administration—currently the head of the US administration—revealed that it will increase the reward for Maduro's arrest. Pamela Bondi, the US attorney general, was clear in stating that:

"Maduro is a central figure in transnational crime. He is a direct threat to our country's national security."

According to the State Department statement, Maduro is allegedly involved in international drug trafficking operations, including an alleged alliance with the Sinaloa Cartel. These accusations are not new, but the emphasis on his ties to Mexican criminal groups has raised diplomatic alarms.

The Mexican president's reaction reflects not only diplomatic prudence but also a clear defense of Mexico's judicial sovereignty. She emphasized that, in the absence of conclusive evidence, media or political accusations cannot be believed.

These types of statements also reaffirm his strategy of distancing himself from foreign agendas that have historically attempted to influence Mexican domestic politics under the pretext of combating drug trafficking.

Nicolás Maduro has been the subject of multiple indictments by the United States in recent years. Since 2020, the U.S. Department of Justice has included him on its most wanted list, alleging links to the Cartel of the Suns and drug trafficking operations to North America.

However, to date, no conclusive evidence has been presented that would allow for formal charges to be brought before international organizations. Now, with this new angle—the alleged link to the Sinaloa Cartel—the debate is reignited, but without the support of any Mexican investigations.

Claudia Sheinbaum's stance is also interpreted as a sign of diplomatic balance. In her first year in office, she has sought to strengthen Mexico's political autonomy vis-à-vis powers like the United States, avoiding unnecessary conflicts but continuing to speak out when interference is perceived.

Furthermore, the direct response to Trump could mark a difference in tone compared to the previous administration, opening a new chapter in the bilateral relationship.

While the White House insists on a hard line against Maduro, Mexico seems determined not to give in to unfounded pressure. Sheinbaum's words not only close the door to speculation, but also openly challenge Washington to back up its claims with clear evidence.

Attention now turns to the United States: Will it present the evidence it claims to have? Or is this a political maneuver for electoral and strategic purposes?

In a context of high international sensitivity, Claudia Sheinbaum has taken a clear stance: there is no open investigation in Mexico against Nicolás Maduro, and any accusations must be supported by evidence.

The narrative that is constructed in the coming days will depend not only on what the United States decides to show, but also on how the Mexican government maintains its diplomatic line.