October 06, 2023

Castro, García, Velázquez Lead Dozens of House Democrats in Push for Congress to Condemn Calls to Invade Mexico

WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Joaquin Castro (TX-20) the highest-ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, joined by co-leads Reps. Jesús “Chuy” Garcia (IL-04) and Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), introduced a House Resolution reaffirming the U.S. commitment to respecting the sovereignty of Mexico and condemning calls for military action in Mexico without Mexico’s consent and U.S. congressional authorization.

The resolution was introduced with original co-sponsors Reps. Barbara Lee (CA-12), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-07), Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Tony Cárdenas (CA-29), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Greg Casar (TX-35), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-00), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), André Carson (IN-07), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Norma Torres (CA-35) Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Dina Titus (NV-01), Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Jamaal Bowman (NY-16), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), and Robert Garcia (CA-42).

The full text of the resolution can be found here.

“Over the last several months, Americans have seen an alarming rise in reckless remarks that threaten to normalize the idea of invading Mexico,” said Congressman Joaquin Castro. “War with Mexico would cause devastating loss of life and would be disastrous for millions of Mexicans and Americans living in Mexico, as well as those in the U.S. whose livelihoods depend on legitimate cross-border trade. This resolution sends a strong message that the United States respects Mexico’s sovereignty and that Congress does not support dangerous calls for war at our Southern border.”

“This resolution sends a strong message that Congress respects Mexico’s sovereignty and rejects armed intervention as a serious solution to the complex problems that our two countries face,” said Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García. “Invading Mexico would endanger a key partner, increase the chaos in which cartels thrive, and force large numbers of people to come to our border fleeing violence – only amplifying the challenges cited by those who are calling for war.” 

“Utilizing the U.S. military in Mexico would be an unmitigated disaster with severe consequences for our country and the world. Before the idea of military operations in Mexico goes any further, we need levelheaded policymakers on both sides of the aisle to speak up and clarify that Congress will not support this. This resolution will make it clear that Congress respects Mexico’s sovereignty and that an unprovoked war with our southern neighbor is not in the interests of the United States,” said Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez.

“If we’ve learned anything from the last twenty years, it’s that Congress should only authorize military force as an absolute last resort when we have exhausted all other tools at our disposal in responding to international conflict. Members on both sides of the aisle must reject this knee-jerk resort to violence. Mexican cartels pose a real threat to both of our nations, but the solution lies in expanding our cooperation with Mexico, not treating them like an enemy or military target. Doing so would only cost needless lives and exacerbate conflict,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee.

“Calling for unilateral military intervention against a sovereign nation is counterproductive and a placeholder for real policy solutions. A strong U.S.-Mexico relationship has always been essential to the success of our nation and a vital part of our vibrant border communities. Instead of pushing this harmful rhetoric, we should continue to foster strong dialogue and cooperation with our allies in Latin America,” said Congressman Raul M. Grijalva.

“It is absurd that anyone would suggest we send the U.S. Military to Mexico. Calling for the deployment of U.S. troops to another country without Congressional consent or justification is unserious and damaging. Mexico and the United States have enjoyed nearly a century of collaboration and partnership. Mexico is entitled to its autonomy and the United States Congress must respect its sovereignty. I am pleased to join Congressman Castro and other Members in opposing the suggestion that the United States invade Mexico,” said Congressman Ted Lieu.

“I am proud to be a co-sponsor of The No War With Mexico Resolution, as it embodies the fundamental principles of sovereignty and upholding international law. This resolution is a testament to our commitment to our Constitution's essential system of checks and balances, emphasizing that the authority to engage in warfare resides with Congress,” said Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia. “It also underscores the imperative that terrorism designations should not be misused to justify military actions while reaffirming the President's duty to safeguard our nation against sudden threats. This will reiterate our dedication to strengthening the bonds of partnership with Mexico. Together, we stand united against the scourges of crime and violence, jointly working towards a safer and more secure future for our nations.”

“One of the foundations of international law is that we must respect the sovereignty of our neighbors. Military action against Mexico would be an unacceptable act of aggression that threatens regional stability. It is past time we moved beyond the failed militarized War on Drugs, and started working with our Mexican and other regional partners to find a sustainable solution. I am proud to cosponsor this resolution, and grateful for Congressman Castro’s consistent leadership on this issue,” said Congresswoman Ilhan Omar.

“Californians and Angelenos understand the unique importance of the U.S.-Mexico relationship given our proximity and the deep cultural, economic, and social ties that flow from it.” said Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove. “I am glad to join Congressman Castro and my colleagues in introducing this resolution to reaffirm our commitment to our neighbor’s sovereignty and to make it clear that U.S. military action in Mexico cannot take place without Mexico’s consent or proper Congressional authorization. A stable and productive relationship with Mexico allows us to work together to combat crime and drug trafficking and ensure the safety and security of both of our nations.”

“I have grown increasingly concerned by the sudden increase in supercharged rhetoric toward Mexico and unprovoked calls for military action,” said Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick. “This resolution reaffirms that the U.S. respects the sovereignty of one of our closest and strongest allies in the Western Hemisphere.”

“I join Congressman Castro and my colleagues in condemning calls for unprovoked military action in Mexico. As one of our closest allies, it is imperative that we respect Mexico’s sovereignty,” said Congresswoman Andrea Salinas. “Although stopping the flow of fentanyl across the border remains one of my top priorities, we can do that while avoiding the use of force and protecting our allies’ autonomy. I will always stand up for democracy, freedom, and the rule of law, both here at home and around the world.”

“The Friends Committee on National Legislation is proud to support Representative Castro’s resolution opposing the use of military force in Mexico in contravention of domestic and international law. Responding to the fentanyl epidemic with military force would militarize a public health challenge for which treatment and health services are desperately needed to help those suffering from drug dependence. As a Quaker organization, we know that war is not the answer. Representative Castro’s resolution is a common sense step to ensure we respect the sovereignty of our neighbor and focus on the needs of our most vulnerable,” said Heather Brandon-Smith, Legislative Director for Foreign Policy, Friends Committee on National Legislation.

“The notion that we would violate the sovereignty of one of our closest allies in order to score racialized political points is despicable. We have to take a look in the mirror regarding our policy around the failed War on Drugs before going down the path of compromising the human rights of the people of Mexico,” said Stephen Miles, president of Win Without War.

“The No War with Mexico Resolution provides a critical and clear message: the U.S. president can’t order airstrikes or raids against Mexican drug cartels without specific authorization from Congress. The Constitution gives Congress, not the president, the authority to determine when, where, and against whom the nation goes to war,” said Katherine Yon Ebright, Counsel for the Liberty & National Security Program, Brennan Center for Justice

Endorsing organizations include the Brennan Center for Justice, UnidosUS, Friends Committee on National Legislation, Foreign Policy for America, Latin American Working Group, and Win Without War.