International News: Mexico forms Elite force to tackle cartels

Published by BBNTEAM at April 1, 2025

Posted: Tuesday, April 1, 2025. 2:24 pm CST.

By Zoila Palma: Mexico’s government has quietly established a new elite force to combat drug cartels, AP reports.

Under the leadership of President Claudia Sheinbaum and security chief Omar García Harfuch, the National Operations Unit (UNO) is designed to shift security responsibilities from the military to a specialized civilian team.

The move marks a shift from former President López Obrador’s “hugs, not bullets” strategy, focusing more on direct action against cartels. García Harfuch, who has a background in law enforcement, is building the force with personnel mostly from the disbanded Federal Police, aiming to restore investigative capabilities lost when security was handed over to the military six years ago.

UNO, still unannounced but confirmed by sources, currently has 250 members and plans to expand to 800 by year’s end.

The unit will consist of three branches across Mexico, with an elite team focused on high-impact operations. It draws from past Federal Police members and other specialized forces trained by countries like the U.S., Colombia, and France.

While the unit’s formation is seen as a response to increased U.S. pressure on Mexico regarding fentanyl trafficking, concerns remain over potential corruption and the history of abuses by Mexico’s security forces.

However, García Harfuch is emphasizing rigorous screening and accountability measures as part of the initiative to rebuild trust. The team’s impact is still uncertain, but it represents a significant step in Mexico’s ongoing fight against powerful criminal organizations.

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