The Secretary of Homeland Security of the United States, Markwayne Mullin, assured that drug trafficking cartels maintain control of “every inch” of the border between Mexico and the United States, stating that criminal organizations operate through a system of “plazas” with leaders identified by US authorities.

During an appearance before the United States Congress, the official maintained that nine cartels dominate the different stretches of Mexico's northern border, which, he said, demonstrates the high degree of organization of these criminal groups.

"They call them plazas. And they have plaza leaders and we know who all those leaders are. We are looking for them and we are going to arrest them," Mullin declared when defending the US administration's security strategy.

The official explained that, because criminal groups have found ways to violate existing border barriers, the US government is promoting the construction of a second wall in various areas of the border.

According to Mullin, the cartels have managed to cut segments of border infrastructure before authorities can respond, especially in remote areas, which is why he considered it necessary to reinforce containment measures.

The statements are part of the US administration's speech to justify the strengthening of border security and actions against drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl.

Weeks before, the secretary himself had recognized the cooperation of President Claudia Sheinbaum's government in matters of security, pointing out that bilateral coordination has allowed progress in seizures and operations against organized crime, although he insisted that criminal organizations maintain a territorial presence along the border.

Mullin's statements occur in a context of growing cooperation between both countries in combating drug trafficking, while differences continue over strategies to confront cartels and the role that each nation should play in border security.