Mexico's President Sheinbaum Denies Claims of US Military Intervention in the Country
The nation's President Claudia Sheinbaum has categorically rejected reports that the United States is planning to send troops into Mexico to confront powerful cartels, emphasizing that she has consistently declined such proposals from President Trump.
“This will not occur,” the President stated during her regular press briefing on Tuesday. “We are opposed to any process of interventionism or external interference.”
Context on the Allegations
The President's comments come after a report citing present and past American authorities that the Trump administration has started planning for a operation to deploy US troops and intelligence officers into the neighboring nation.
This information suggested that although the mission was not immediate and a conclusive choice had been reached, the initial phases of preparation had already begun along with discussions about the extent of the operation.
Additionally, the account stated that US troops would operate under the authority of the US intelligence community, and that officers from the CIA would also participate.
Mexico's Response
But Sheinbaum was adamant that her nation had “no information” about such a proposed intervention, although she admitted that in phone calls with Trump, he had offered to send troops and other assistance to tackle organized crime.
“I have repeatedly stated thank you very much, President Trump. But absolutely not, our country is a independent, sovereign and sovereign country,” the President affirmed.
Historical Collaboration and Current Tensions
The two nations have long collaborated in tackling cartels, with the United States at times dispatching intelligence, military and DEA agents to support Mexico's efforts to combat organized crime.
But the entry of US troops into the territory to directly confront the drug lords, particularly without Mexico's consent, would be an unheard-of move that would almost certainly fracture an fragile partnership between the two countries.
Recent Measures and Agreements
The US government has made confronting drug-trafficking groups a key element of its international strategy: in February, Washington classified multiple drug cartels as terrorist groups.
It has also launched a multiple strikes against suspected narco vessels, most recently targeting ships in the eastern Pacific that killed 14 alleged traffickers in recent weeks.
Although Mexico saved a survivor from the strike, Sheinbaum criticized the actions and ordered representatives from her government to address them with the American envoy to Mexico.
On that day, Sheinbaum also noted that the country had reached a cooperation pact with the United States that was negotiated over an extended period.
“We will proceed within this framework of understanding, which has defined guidelines … which respects our independence and our territoriality.”
The President's Stance on Anti-Narcotics Approach
The national leader has also appeared cooler on militarised drug combat strategies than her predecessors: on Monday, she ruled out any modifications to the nation's security strategy despite the recent brutal killing of a local official in a Mexican state.
“Some are calling for military action and armed conflict, as happened with the anti-drug campaign,” she commented. “That didn’t work.”