WASHINGTON — Federal officials are examining Mexico’s network of 53 diplomatic facilities throughout America, an evaluation that may result in some locations being shuttered, according to a State Department source who spoke Thursday.
The anonymous official, who lacked authorization for public statements, provided no explanation for the assessment’s purpose or scope, though the development threatens to escalate already strained relations between the neighboring nations. CBS News first disclosed the review.
Trump has pursued an unusually assertive approach toward Latin American affairs compared to recent presidents, conducting military operations that captured Venezuela’s leadership, demanding sweeping Venezuelan changes, implementing petroleum sanctions against Cuba, intervening in elections across Argentina and Honduras, and issuing military threats against Mexican drug organizations.
Mexican leader Claudia Sheinbaum has worked to preserve positive ties with Trump while countering American pressure through intensified anti-cartel enforcement, which has contributed to declining murder rates. However, recent controversies have triggered significant political turbulence in Mexico.
Initially, two CIA operatives perished during anti-drug operations alongside local forces in northern Chihuahua state, prompting days of conflicting statements from Mexican officials. Subsequently, American prosecutors filed drug trafficking charges against multiple members of Sheinbaum’s political party, including a close associate.
Trump reiterated his position earlier this week, stating: “If Mexico doesn’t act, we will.”
These developments have intensified Trump administration pressure on Sheinbaum while sparking debate about her commitment to protecting Mexican independence.
Mexico operates the largest foreign diplomatic presence within American borders. These facilities assist Mexican nationals residing in the US through document services, legal support, and various citizen needs.
Dylan Johnson, assistant secretary of state for public affairs, explained: “The Department of State is constantly reviewing all aspects of American foreign relations to ensure they are in line with the President’s America First foreign policy agenda and advance American interests.”
Washington has previously shuttered diplomatic facilities from other nations, including a Chinese consulate in Houston and three Russian locations spanning San Francisco, Washington area, and New York region.
