[FOX News]- UNODC Action before Aid: U.S. Delegate Presses Mexico, Myanmar Over Border Trafficking Failures

In a press conference this afternoon at the United Nations Office of Drug and Crime (UNODC), tensions flared up as Mexico and Myanmar offered excuses and pleading for funding, as drug and weapon trafficking continues to filter into U.S borders. 

As the largest contributor to the United Nations, the U.S. has already invested heavily in UNODC projects and has a long history of financing anti-trafficking efforts in Mexico and Myanmar. But with little to show for it, the Trump administration is signaling a shift toward accountability. “Myanmar expects us to fund, but there’s no success,” the U.S. delegate told Fox News during the press conference, highlighting frustration over disappearing dollars and a lack of results. 

Mexico was quick to offer excuses for its failure to prevent the ongoing drug trafficking fueled by its cartels, as well as the lack of border protection allowing illegal immigrants and sex offenders to cross into U.S. territory. “Mexico is a huge victim.” the Mexican delegate expressed. The Mexican delegation felt the U.S could be providing more aid, specifically regarding technological devices to help locate and dismantle trafficking networks.

However, critics argue that Mexico is asking for too much, demanding more U.S. assistance while rejecting multiple offers from President Trump in recent weeks to boost joint border security efforts. Just yesterday, the Mexican President turned down Trump’s offer of US troops to help fight drug cartels. When asked about this instance at the UNODC press conference, the Mexican delegate said “the offer goes against our sovereignty”.

Mexico also continued to blame China for supplying its cartels with the resources to fuel the trade. In response, China strongly denied the accusations, stating it “rejects these allegations and implements strict policies to prevent such activities.”

Other delegations present, including Spain and Saudi Arabia, expressed willingness to help fund the Global South’s efforts to implement more effective trafficking frameworks and collaborate with the U.S. But the U.S.’s stance remains clear: they need to see progress before reopening their wallet.