US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, visiting Ecuador to help that nation combat organized crime, said cartels rather than the Mexican state control large parts of the country and that Mexico’s increased operations still fall short. Security is Mexicans’ top issue in polls, with frequent assassinations of candidates, judges, and journalists reporting on the groups.

He prefers partnership with Mexico but said the threat will be confronted regardless. Unlike some Central and South American countries that accepted US military support against cartels, Mexico under President Claudia Sheinbaum has cited sovereignty, sharing information while its forces conduct raids. Sheinbaum has faced criticism over party members’ alleged cartel links and has defended Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha Moya, sought by US authorities on trafficking conspiracy and weapons charges involving the Sinaloa Cartel, saying no evidence was provided.