Marco Rubio Recognizes Mexico Has Taken 'Unprecedented Steps' To Address Unlawful Migration And Cartel Violence

Secretary of State Marco Rubio made his first appearance at Fox News in a chat with journalist Rachel Campos-Duffy, who works for Fox Noticias. During the interview, which was completely in Spanish, the former Florida senator touched on a multitude of subjects, including President Trump's tariffs, the U.S.'s relationship with other countries in the Americas as well as the administration's efforts to combat criminal organizations.

Rubio gave some of the credit related to enforcement to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, saying she has taken "very strong measures" to combat drug cartels.

"Even though we have differences in terms of matters of trade, we must acknowledge that the Mexican government and the government of President Sheinbaum have taken very strong measures, the likes of which we have never seen in the past, to combat these cartels and, at the same time, the massive illegal immigration to the United States, which always crosses through Mexico," Rubio said during a passage of the interview.

When asked by Campos-Duffy if he considered Mexico to be a narco-state, Rubio said that "a large part" of territory is indeed under the control of criminal organizations, although he did not label the whole country as such.

"We know that a large part of Mexican territory is controlled by the cartels and these criminal elements," Rubio said. "In many of these places, the corruption that exists at the judicial level, for example, is very, very powerful," he added.

Despite recent cooperation like the extradition of 29 prisoners including high-profile names such as Rafael Caro Quintero, Rubio highlighted that "dangerous levels of corruption" and its influence over Mexico's legal system prevents a better cooperation between both countries.

Although the Sheinbaum administration has taken "unprecedented measures" to combat drug cartels, Rubio said it is not enough.

"We have to do more," Rubio said during the interview. "We understand that there are obstacles within the Mexican [legal] system as well, but at least we have seen some willingness to address this."

Rubio added that, despite border crossings reaching historical low levels, drugs continue to come into the U.S. through its southern border, making it the main reason behind Trump's tariffs.

"I think President Trump is right in the position he has taken," Rubio said. "We have made progress, we have seen efforts made, but we have not yet seen results on the drug issue, and that has to change, because it is a poison that is killing thousands and thousands of Americans every month in this country," he added.