Introduction
This article has received widespread attention following the tragic killing of the mayor of Uruapan, Mexico, an official who was outspoken in his opposition to drug cartels. Some readers have raised concerns that the Mexican president, Claudia Sheinbaum, may be collaborating with drug cartels, a claim that has circulated online and is directly referenced by the user’s question. Our fact-check will address this specific concern and examine other major claims from the article for accuracy, bias, and missing context.
Historical Context
Mexico has long struggled with pervasive cartel violence, especially in states like Michoacán where Uruapan is located. Mayors and local officials in cartel-affected regions face dangerous conditions, with dozens killed over the past decade for taking a stance against organized crime. Claudia Sheinbaum assumed the presidency in October 2024, inheriting a fraught security situation. Her approach and public comments on organized crime have come under intense scrutiny nationally and internationally, particularly following violent incidents against officials who confront cartels.
Fact-Check: Key Claims
Claim #1: Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is collaborating with Mexican drug cartels.
There is no credible evidence to support the claim that President Claudia Sheinbaum is collaborating with drug cartels. On the contrary, her public actions and statements point to an ongoing effort to combat organized crime. Notably, after the murder of Mayor Carlos Manzo, Sheinbaum condemned the killing and reaffirmed her commitment to justice, stating, “The only way to build peace is through justice.” (El País).
Reports from Reuters and the Associated Press further indicate that her administration launched an investigation into the assassination. While skepticism toward government efforts exists in Mexican public discourse, there is no substantiated evidence of direct collaboration with cartels as of November 2025. Therefore, this claim is unsubstantiated.
Claim #2: Mayor Carlos Manzo was killed because of his outspoken opposition to drug cartels and his criticism of President Sheinbaum’s approach.
The article correctly notes that Mayor Manzo was an outspoken critic of both criminal organizations and the federal government’s handling of cartel violence. According to local authorities and statements in the Reuters report, his actions and rhetoric positioned him as a target for organized crime. However, there is currently no direct evidence linking his assassination solely to his criticism of President Sheinbaum’s strategy. The motive remains under investigation, as stated by Mexican Security Minister Omar García Harfuch. The article presents Manzo’s criticism as a key factor but omits the ongoing official inquiry, which is essential context for readers. Thus, while his opposition likely made him a target, the definitive motive remains undetermined.
Claim #3: Sheinbaum’s administration has done little to combat cartels, as implied by Manzo’s statements and the article’s tone.
The article features quotes from Mayor Manzo such as, “We need greater determination from the president of Mexico,” and frames the federal government’s efforts as insufficient. While public criticism regarding government performance against cartels is not uncommon in Mexico, verifiable developments in 2025 show that Sheinbaum’s administration has launched investigations into high-profile killings and engaged in cooperative efforts with international partners.
For instance, when the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration announced “Project Portero,” Sheinbaum’s administration emphasized that any bilateral action must be on equal terms, rejecting claims of passive complicity (Al Jazeera). While criticism exists and some believe not enough is being done, the claim that “little” has been done is an overstatement and does not reflect the full scope of ongoing federal anti-cartel efforts in late 2025.
Conclusion
Our review found no credible evidence that Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, is collaborating with drug cartels. The article’s strongest claims center on criticism and frustration over ongoing violence and federal responses to cartel activity, which are legitimate topics of debate but should not be confused with evidence of collusion. The reporting captures the tense political climate and the immense danger faced by local officials, but at times may imply a lack of federal action without mentioning ongoing investigations or anti-crime operations. Readers should approach claims about high-level government collusion with caution and rely on verifiable sources. DBUNK urges everyone to remain vigilant about misinformation and missing context, especially on issues as sensitive as cartel violence in Mexico.
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Link to Original Article
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