Russia’s Cold War Tactics in Mexico: Expanding Intelligence Operations Against the U.S
Executive Summary
Russia is intensifying intelligence operations in Mexico, using the country as a hub to spy on the U.S. and influence public opinion against Washington and Ukraine. This resurgence of Cold War tactics includes bolstering the Russian embassy staff in Mexico City and disseminating propaganda through channels like RT. U.S. officials, including CIA Director William Burns, have expressed concern about Russia’s growing presence, signaling heightened risks of espionage near the U.S. border.
Analysis
Russia’s expansion in Mexico leverages the country’s close proximity to the U.S., allowing Moscow to conduct operations that avoid the scrutiny of U.S. intelligence services. This renewed activity mirrors Cold War-era tactics when Mexico was a key location for Soviet intelligence officers. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, dozens of additional Russian personnel have been deployed to its Mexico City embassy, far exceeding the diplomatic necessity. The concern is that Mexico’s political neutrality and relatively permissive environment allow Russian intelligence agencies to monitor and counter U.S. interests with fewer obstacles. The expulsion of Russian spies from Europe has driven Moscow to find new strategic locations, making Mexico an ideal choice.
Mexico’s geopolitical stance is further highlighted by its refusal to comply with Ukraine’s request to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin if he were to visit the country for President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum's inauguration in October. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador maintained that Mexico would not intervene, reflecting its long-standing policy of non-intervention and neutrality, even in the face of international pressure regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Russia's intelligence operations in Mexico are also aimed at influencing public opinion, as evidenced by their large-scale propaganda campaigns and media investments through outlets like RT. U.S. officials are particularly concerned about Russia's efforts to exploit Mexico's independent political posture and foster anti-U.S. narratives. Russian agents are suspected of being involved in disinformation campaigns that include false claims, such as alleging that the U.S. recruits Mexican cartel members to fight in Ukraine.
Russia's intelligence presence in Mexico is not new but has evolved to meet the demands of modern espionage. Since the 1980s, Mexico has been a key location for Russian intelligence, enabling Moscow to operate in close proximity to the U.S. without the same level of scrutiny they face in Europe. The Cold War history, including high-profile incidents like the assassination of Leon Trotsky, shows Mexico as a long-standing hotbed of espionage.
As U.S. officials continue to monitor Russia's growing footprint in Mexico, concerns about the security of U.S. intelligence and potential cyberattacks have increased. The GRU (Russian military intelligence) has embedded agents within Mexico under diplomatic cover, allowing them to gather intelligence with relative ease. In March 2022, Air Force Gen. Glen VanHerck stated that Mexico has the largest number of GRU agents outside of Russia, illustrating the significant threat Russia’s presence poses in the region.
Final Thoughts
Russia’s intensified intelligence operations in Mexico mark a return to Cold War-era tactics, leveraging Mexico's proximity to the U.S. and its neutral political stance to conduct espionage and influence operations. This activity raises concerns about the security of U.S. interests and highlights the strategic importance of Mexico in global intelligence dynamics. The future trajectory of Russia’s operations in Mexico will depend on geopolitical shifts, but the growing presence of GRU officers in the region suggests a long-term strategy aimed at countering U.S. influence near its southern border.
