Mexico's head of state Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly denied reports that the United States is planning to deploy troops into Mexico to combat dominant cartels, emphasizing that she has consistently refused such proposals from President Trump.
“It’s not going to happen,” Sheinbaum stated during her daily morning news conference on that day. “We are opposed to any form of interference or external interference.”
Context on the Allegations
Sheinbaum's remarks follow a news story citing present and past US officials that the Trump administration has started planning for a mission to deploy American military personnel and intelligence officers into the neighboring nation.
The report suggested that although the operation 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 jurisdiction of the American spy agencies, and that personnel from the CIA would take part as well.
Mexico's Response
But Sheinbaum was insistent that her country had “lack of details” about such a planned intervention, even though she admitted that in conversations with Trump, he had proposed to send troops and additional resources to tackle criminal groups.
“I’ve always said thank you very much, President Trump. But no, our country is a free, independent and autonomous nation,” Sheinbaum affirmed.
Historical Cooperation and Current Strains
The two nations have long collaborated in tackling drug-trafficking groups, with the US at times sending CIA, armed forces and Drug Enforcement Administration agents to support Mexico's initiatives to fight criminal networks.
But the incursion of US troops into the territory to engage with the cartels, particularly without the nation's consent, would be an unheard-of step that would likely fracture an already tenuous bilateral relationship.
Latest Actions and Understandings
The US government has made addressing drug-trafficking groups a key element of its foreign policy: in February, the US classified six Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
It has also initiated a series of attacks against alleged narco vessels, most recently targeting ships in the eastern Pacific that resulted in the deaths of multiple suspects in late October.
Although Mexico saved one of the survivors from the strike, Sheinbaum criticized the strikes and ordered officials from her administration to discuss them with the US ambassador to the nation.
On that day, she also noted that Mexico 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 very clear principles … which respects our sovereignty and our territoriality.”
Sheinbaum's Stance on Anti-Narcotics Approach
The national leader has also appeared less enthusiastic on militarised drug combat strategies than her preceding leaders: on the previous day, she dismissed any modifications to the country’s safety approach despite the murder of a mayor in western Mexico.
“Some are calling for military action and war, as happened with the war on drugs,” Sheinbaum commented. “That didn’t work.”
