Senator Lilly Téllez of the National Action Party accused the government of President Claudia Sheinbaum of taking action against Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho', in response to purported pressures from the United States. Téllez asserted that Sheinbaum's decision to engage with criminal organizations was driven by the need to mitigate US criticism, particularly following statements made by former President Donald Trump that suggested drug cartels govern Mexico. She criticized the president for acting out of obligation rather than conviction.

During her speech in the Senate on February 24, Téllez lamented that the operations against 'El Mencho' were less about capturing him alive and more about eliminating him to prevent possible disclosures regarding drug cartel operations. She pointed out that there has been a widespread acknowledgment in Mexico regarding the influence of cartels and their governance over various regions, and suggested that the Sheinbaum administration's actions were not genuinely aimed at curbing illegality but rather appeasing international pressure.

This claim by Téllez highlights ongoing tensions between the Mexican government and the United States regarding drug-related issues, and it raises questions about the motivations behind government operations against major drug figures. It reflects a broader discourse on the effectiveness and legitimacy of anti-drug measures in Mexico, as well as the potential implications of external influence on domestic policy. Such accusations could erode public confidence in the government's commitment to combat drug-related violence and corruption, underscoring the complexities of international relations concerning national security and law enforcement.