Washington DC - Secretary of State Marco Rubio marked Mexico's 216th Independence Day with a message moaning about cartel violence, "narcoterrorism" and "mass migration."

"I congratulate the people of Mexico as they celebrate the 216th anniversary of their independence," Rubio wrote in an official statement released by the State Department. "Mexico is our neighbor, and few international relationships more concretely impact the safety, security, and prosperity of Americans."

"For too long, both of our nations have suffered from an epidemic of transnational organized crime and narcoterrorism, unchecked mass migration, and cartel violence that was allowed to fester in Mexico," Rubio continued.

"The scourge of narcoterrorism has forced ordinary Mexicans to live in fear in their homes and poison smuggled over our border is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans."

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Rubio's statement comes amid severe cartel-fueled violence across parts of the country and as President Donald Trump's administration continues to apply pressure on Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to crack down more forcefully on organized crime.

While Sheinbaum has repeatedly ruled out military intervention in Mexico by US forces, touting serious concerns around sovereignty, on Monday night, 139 armed personnel were given the green light to join training exercises in the northern state of Chihuahua.

"We still have much more work to do together. The United States is committed to a safe, free, and prosperous Mexico, which can continue to be a critical partner for decades to come," Rubio wrote.

Mexico's Independence Day is celebrated on September 16 and marks the beginning of the country's War of Independence against the Spanish in 1810. The country officially gained its independence on September 27, 1821.

Sheinbaum marked the 216th anniversary by attending a massive military parade at Zocala Square in Mexico City. The occasion was celebrated across North America, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani declaring "¡Viva México!" on social media.