Mexico and the United States held a high-level security meeting on Friday, June 12, 2026, in Mexico City, bringing together top officials from both nations to discuss border security, migration, and efforts to combat transnational organized crime. The meeting was led by Mexican Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco and included participation from U.S. Ambassador Ronald Johnson.
The gathering took place at the subsecretarial level and represented the latest step in ongoing bilateral cooperation between the two neighboring countries. The meeting followed a phone conversation earlier in the week between Foreign Minister Velasco and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which lasted approximately 30 minutes and was described as cordial and respectful.
Main Developments from the Bilateral Meeting
The Mexico US security meeting assembled representatives from multiple Mexican government agencies, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the discussions. According to official statements, participants included representatives from the Mexican Attorney General’s Office, the Secretariat of Public Security, the Secretariat of National Defense, the Mexican Navy, and the National Guard.
Foreign Minister Velasco led the meeting in its initial stages before handing off to the assembled representatives from various security agencies to continue the technical discussions. On the American side, U.S. Ambassador Ronald Johnson participated alongside officials from the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City.
The agenda covered several critical areas of bilateral concern, including border security cooperation, migration issues, the upcoming review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, and joint efforts to combat transnational organized crime networks operating across the shared border.
What We Know So Far
The meeting represents a continuation of dialogue between Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration and U.S. officials. Both countries have maintained an understanding that has been in place for approximately eight months, according to the timeline referenced by officials.
One significant statistic highlighted in connection with bilateral security efforts is the reported 76 percent decrease in fentanyl seizures at the border since President Sheinbaum took office. This figure underscores the ongoing joint efforts between both nations to address drug trafficking concerns.
During the phone call between Foreign Minister Velasco and Secretary of State Rubio earlier in the week, several bilateral matters were addressed. Velasco stated that Secretary Rubio indicated he is personally following the USMCA review process. Both officials committed to remaining in communication regarding this and other bilateral issues.
Notably absent from the discussions was any reference to Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha Moya, who is currently on leave from his position. Officials confirmed that topics related to the governor were excluded from these particular meetings.
What Happens Next
Both Mexico and the United States are planning an in-person meeting in the near future, though a specific date has not been announced. This future gathering would build upon the dialogue established in the June 12 meeting and the recent phone conversation between Velasco and Rubio.
Secretary of State Rubio communicated to his Mexican counterpart that he is personally overseeing the USMCA review process, signaling the importance the United States is placing on trade relations with Mexico as the review approaches.
The ongoing bilateral discussions are expected to continue addressing the interconnected issues of border security, migration management, and efforts to disrupt transnational criminal organizations. Both governments appear committed to maintaining regular communication channels at high levels.
Important Details About the Security Discussions
The meeting structure involved Mexican Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco opening the proceedings before transitioning to a working session involving representatives from the various security and law enforcement agencies of both nations. This format allowed for both diplomatic engagement and technical discussions on specific security matters.
The participation of such a wide range of Mexican agencies, including the Attorney General’s Office, public security forces, military branches, and the National Guard, indicates the comprehensive scope of the bilateral security cooperation being discussed. The U.S. delegation, led by Ambassador Johnson, brought corresponding officials from the embassy to engage with their Mexican counterparts.
The location of the meeting in Mexico City follows standard diplomatic protocol for such bilateral engagements. The meeting came just days after the telephone conversation between the foreign ministers of both nations, suggesting an accelerated pace of diplomatic engagement on security matters.
Context of U.S.-Mexico Relations
The high-level meeting occurs against the backdrop of ongoing cooperation between the Sheinbaum administration in Mexico and U.S. officials. The reported 76 percent decrease in fentanyl seizures at the border since President Sheinbaum assumed office represents a key metric that both governments have pointed to as evidence of productive cooperation.
The upcoming USMCA review process adds another dimension to the bilateral relationship, with trade concerns intersecting with security and migration issues. Secretary Rubio’s personal involvement in the USMCA review, as communicated to Foreign Minister Velasco, suggests that trade matters remain high on the agenda for future discussions.
The exclusion of certain topics from the meeting agenda, specifically matters related to Sinaloa Governor Rocha Moya, indicates that the discussions maintained a specific focus on areas where both governments have established cooperative frameworks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who participated in the Mexico-US security meeting?
The meeting was led by Mexican Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco and included U.S. Ambassador Ronald Johnson. Mexican participants included representatives from the Attorney General’s Office, Secretariat of Public Security, Defense, Navy, and National Guard, along with U.S. Embassy officials.
What topics were discussed at the bilateral security meeting?
Officials discussed border security cooperation, migration issues, the upcoming USMCA review, and efforts to combat transnational organized crime. Topics related to Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha Moya were excluded from the discussions.
What were the results of the Mexico-US security meeting?
Both countries confirmed plans to hold an in-person meeting in the near future to continue discussions. Specific agreements or outcomes from the June 12 meeting have not been announced.
How has fentanyl seizure changed under the Sheinbaum administration?
According to officials, fentanyl seizures at the border have decreased 76 percent since President Claudia Sheinbaum took office, indicating changes in drug trafficking patterns or enforcement approaches.
When will Mexico and the US meet again?
Both nations have confirmed plans for an in-person meeting in the near future, though a specific date has not been announced. Officials from both countries have committed to maintaining ongoing communication on bilateral issues.
The June 12 meeting in Mexico City represents the latest chapter in the continuing security dialogue between Mexico and the United States. With both nations facing shared challenges related to border security, migration, and transnational crime, such high-level engagements serve as the framework for coordinating bilateral efforts. The planned future in-person meeting will provide another opportunity for officials to advance their discussions on these critical matters affecting both countries.
