AUSTIN — A new survey on Mexico’s security situation reveals overwhelming concerns among Mexican voters about escalating cartel violence, highlighting an urgent demand for action and an openness to U.S. involvement in addressing the crisis.

The findings of our Mexico Security Survey show that 78% of Mexican voters believe the country’s security situation presents unacceptable risks to their safety and well-being, with a supermajority of 83% identifying cartels as a serious problem. This crisis, fueled by corruption and violence, is seen by 58% of Mexicans as the nation’s most pressing issue—far outpacing concerns over the economy, which only 16% cite as their biggest worry.

Key findings from the Mexico Security Survey include:

  • 78% of Mexican voters believe the security risks posed by cartels are unacceptable.
  • 60% support a more aggressive approach to confronting cartel violence.
  • 49% are in favor of U.S. intervention, provided it is done with Mexican government consent.
  • Half of respondents support a security agreement with the U.S. to tackle the cartels together.

The survey underscores the seriousness of the cartel violence crisis. Though Mexicans continue to support their government, they are increasingly frustrated with its failure to effectively address cartel violence, which has led to calls for stronger action.

These results reveal a stark reality for Mexico: a crisis of security that risks undermining the legitimacy of the current government. Though Mexicans are overwhelmingly opposed to unilateral foreign military action in their country, there is still a positive desire for U.S. assistance in combating cartel violence. More than half of Mexicans are open to a partnership with the U.S. government to address the cartels.

“Mexicans are clearly saying that their government must act decisively against cartel violence—and that they’re open to U.S. partnership in this fight,” said TPPF Chief Transformation Officer Joshua Treviño. “The Mexican state is going to have to make a choice, and soon: will it continue to accommodate, defend, and cooperate with its cartels, against the clear desires of the Mexican people — or will it partner with a United States of America whose new President has stated clearly that he will defeat those cartels, with or without Mexican-government help?”

This provides a clear opportunity for U.S. policymakers and the new administration. For the United States, Mexican cooperation is not an end in itself—rather, it is securing the safety of U.S. citizens and defeating the cartels. Therefore, because the opposition to unilateral action is so widespread, the credible (and justifiable) threat of U.S. action is indispensable leverage in compelling the Mexican government to cooperate with the U.S. in addressing the cartel crisis.

The survey also sheds light on the significant tension within Mexican civic life, with widespread frustration over the government’s inability to tackle cartel violence. The growing frustration is reflected in the public’s desire for greater confrontation with cartels, with 60% of Mexicans supporting stronger action, even as they continue to support their government in principle.

As President Trump’s statements yesterday on designating the cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) make clear, the urgency of this crisis is at a peak. The Mexican government now faces a choice: either embrace U.S. partnership to confront the cartel threat or risk long-term consequences for its inability to control violence within its borders.

In conclusion, the survey results make one thing clear: the crisis in Mexico is untenable, and the country’s future stability may hinge on the government’s willingness to partner with the U.S. to combat cartel violence. The threat of unilateral U.S. action may be the catalyst needed to drive a meaningful solution through U.S.-Mexico cooperation.

To read a summary of the survey results, click here.

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