Mexican Senator Lilly Téllez delivered a forceful speech in Washington, D.C., on September 24, 2025, denouncing what she described as the “narcogovernment” in Mexico and warning of its regional consequences.
Invited by The Heritage Foundation, Téllez addressed members of various U.S. organizations during the Third U.S.-Mexico Political Summit. In her remarks, she accused the administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum and the ruling Morena party of concentrating power, undermining democratic institutions, and enabling organized crime. She described Mexico’s current state as one of “authoritarianism” and “mafiocracy,” urging international audiences to recognize the severity of the crisis.
Téllez highlighted the growing influence of drug cartels, which she argued now operate as parallel powers threatening both Mexican sovereignty and U.S. security. She called on Washington to strengthen cooperation with Mexico in combating organized crime, noting that cartels have already been classified as terrorist organizations by some U.S. policymakers.
The senator also criticized fiscal corruption and the government’s handling of public resources, claiming that illicit networks extend into official circles. She warned that Mexico’s internal fractures—caused by the concentration of power under the Fourth Transformation (4T)—risk destabilizing the broader region.
Her speech resonated with conservative audiences in Washington, who applauded her call for transparency and accountability. Téllez urged the United States to make public a list of “narcopoliticians” allegedly tied to criminal groups, arguing that exposing these connections is essential to restoring trust in Mexico’s institutions.
The event marked a significant moment in Téllez’s political trajectory, positioning her as a vocal critic of the current Mexican government on an international stage. By bringing Mexico’s domestic concerns to Washington, she sought to amplify pressure for reforms and highlight the shared responsibility of both nations in addressing organized crime and safeguarding democracy.
Agradezco a @KevinRobertsTX , Presidente de @Heritage , por invitarme a exponer la situación de México ante distinguidos miembros de diferentes organizaciones en Washington, DC.
— Lilly Téllez (@LillyTellez) September 24, 2025
Aquí mi discurso completo: pic.twitter.com/FxTmsakFbr
Source: x.com/@LillyTellez
