US, Mexico to discuss security agreement during Rubio visit

US, Mexico to discuss security agreement during Rubio visit

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to travel to Mexico and Ecuador from September 2 to 4, with the primary objective of discussing and potentially signing a new bilateral security agreement. This visit comes amidst ongoing efforts to address key U.S. priorities, including the dismantling of cartels, halting fentanyl trafficking, and reducing illegal immigration [1].

Rubio's visit marks his fourth trip to the hemisphere as head of the State Department. The U.S. aims to deepen bilateral ties with Mexico and Ecuador, fostering broader burden sharing across the region. The trip is also seen as a demonstration of the U.S.'s unwavering commitment to protect its borders and neutralize narco-terrorist threats [1].

The potential signing of a new security agreement between the U.S. and Mexico is a significant development in the ongoing bilateral relationship. The agreement is expected to be signed during Rubio's visit to Mexico, where he will meet with Mexican authorities [2]. The new pact is anticipated to build on the existing Bicentennial Framework for Security, Public Health, and Safe Communities, which took effect in late 2021 [3].

The visit comes at a time of heightened tension between the U.S. and Mexico, with the U.S. administration under Donald Trump having imposed tariffs and expressed a desire to combat Mexican cartels more aggressively. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has maintained a stance of cooperation but has been firm in her opposition to any U.S. military intervention in Mexico [3].

The new security agreement is expected to provide greater clarity and renewed impetus to the joint fight against organized crime. However, the complexity and tension in the security relationship are likely to remain, as calls for a more proactive U.S. posture against Mexican cartels continue [3].

References:
[1] https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2025/08/secretary-rubios-travel-to-mexico-and-ecuador
[2] https://english.elpais.com/usa/2025-08-29/marco-rubio-will-travel-to-mexico-next-week-to-sign-a-security-agreement.html
[3] https://mexiconewsdaily.com/politics/us-secretary-state-rubio-visit-mexico-next-week/