US and Mexican 2024 elections have issues in common

Significance

A political row over fentanyl, plus longstanding tensions over illegal immigration to the United States, are for both countries domestic issues with drivers or impacts across the border. They could materially affect the 2024 elections in both states.

Impacts

• The row over fentanyl could introduce complications in Mexico-China relations.
• The terrorism designation theoretically widens the range of options for the US authorities to combat certain Mexican cartels.
• Efforts to curb illegal migration ahead of the elections could see Mexican and US authorities accused of complicity in inhumane practices.