Amid a federal funding freeze, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is employing waivers to ensure the continuation of vital programs in Mexico related to border security and anti-fentanyl initiatives. This strategic move aims to encourage Mexico to strengthen its efforts in combating drug trafficking and illegal immigration.

A high-ranking State Department official revealed to Fox News Digital that Rubio has been granting waivers to the administration-wide funding pause affecting the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Program. This program provides crucial support to border security agencies in countries that could pose a threat to the U.S. if narcotics production, organized crime, and terrorist activity are allowed to escalate.

The INL program's objective is to curb the influx of illegal drugs into the United States and mitigate the impact of international crime on American citizens, according to Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This includes programs targeting fentanyl smuggling. The highly potent synthetic opioid, often produced in Mexico using Chinese precursors, is a major contributor to overdose deaths in the U.S.

Following Rubio's recent diplomatic tour of Latin America, where he secured various commitments related to border security, INL programming has been gradually resuming in these countries.

While reports surfaced about the suspension of INL programs in Mexico, including those focused on disrupting fentanyl labs and precursor chemical trafficking, a State Department official clarified that some Mexican programs have already received waivers, totaling $5.2 million with an additional $2.5 million pending.

These waivers have facilitated crucial law enforcement efforts in Mexico, supporting the extradition of members of transnational criminal organizations involved in fentanyl export and migrant smuggling. They also fund wire intercept programs and investigations targeting cartel members.

The strategic withholding of waiver announcements is attributed to Rubio's intent to secure further commitments from Mexico on border security, particularly in light of the new U.S. administration and the pressing need to address the flow of fentanyl and other synthetic drugs.

While some waivers demonstrate the U.S.'s commitment to partnership, other programs remain under review pending stronger assurances from Mexican authorities.

A key point of contention is the previous Mexican administration's resistance to U.S. assistance in training and equipping Mexican police. While the new administration has partially accepted this assistance, the U.S. seeks full cooperation and the removal of bureaucratic obstacles. Rubio's diplomatic efforts aim to solidify Mexico's commitment, paving the way for the resumption of more INL funding.

This push for enhanced border security aligns with the Trump administration's focus on immigration and border control. The administration has already secured border-related commitments from Mexico and Canada, as well as agreements to accept returned migrants from Venezuela and Colombia.