Johnson says cartels remain a threat

Reporting and context

El Diario de Juárez reports that U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson said drug cartels remain a threat despite efforts by both countries to combat narcotics trafficking. Speaking at a ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Johnson said President Donald Trump has recognized the threat attributed to cartels and designated them as foreign terrorist organizations. He said, according to El Diario de Juárez, that the groups use violence, murder, corruption and intimidation to control communities, while stressing that the report preserves those characterizations as statements attributed to the ambassador.

The report says Johnson argued that the United States and Mexico are linked by geography and trade and must choose cooperation every day. He said Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum are working to promote an alliance that produces results and to protect both populations while defending freedom and democracy. The article attributes these statements to Johnson, and its account presents the descriptions of cartel activity and the designation in that attributed context.

The ceremony included moments of silence at the times associated with the 2001 plane crashes, a prayer and a wreath-laying. El Diario de Juárez reports that members of the Mexican volunteer rescue group Los Topos attended, and that Johnson unveiled a commemorative plaque while recalling Mexican assistance after the attacks. An unrelated aircraft sound was identified during the event as a Mexican Army rehearsal, according to the report.