Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly rejected allegations that the United States is considering to send military forces into Mexico to combat dominant cartels, emphasizing that she has repeatedly refused such proposals from President Trump.
“It’s not going to happen,” Sheinbaum declared during her daily morning press briefing on Tuesday. “We are opposed to any process of interventionism or external interference.”
Background on the Reports
The President's comments come after a report quoting present and past US officials that the Trump administration has initiated preparations for a mission to send US troops and agents into Mexico.
The report suggested that although the operation was not immediate and a conclusive choice had been reached, the early stages of training had commenced along with talks about the extent of the operation.
Additionally, the report stated that American forces would operate under the jurisdiction of the American spy agencies, and that personnel from the CIA would take part as well.
The Nation's Response
But Sheinbaum was adamant that her country had “no information” about such a planned incursion, although she acknowledged that in phone calls with Trump, he had offered to dispatch military support and additional resources to tackle organized crime.
“I have repeatedly stated my gratitude, Mr. Trump. But no, our country is a independent, sovereign and sovereign country,” Sheinbaum affirmed.
Historical Collaboration and Present Tensions
Mexico and the US have long collaborated in addressing cartels, with the United States at times dispatching CIA, military and DEA operatives to assist Mexico's efforts to fight organized crime.
But the entry of US troops into the territory to directly confront the cartels, especially without Mexico's consent, would be an unprecedented step that would likely fracture an already tenuous partnership between the two countries.
Recent Actions and Agreements
The US government has designated addressing criminal organizations a central pillar of its foreign policy: in February, the US classified six Mexican cartels as terrorist groups.
It has also initiated a series of attacks against suspected narco vessels, most recently striking ships in the eastern Pacific that killed multiple suspects in late October.
Although Mexico rescued a survivor from the attack, the President criticized the strikes and ordered officials from her government to discuss them with the US ambassador to Mexico.
On that day, Sheinbaum also noted that Mexico had finalized a cooperation pact with the United States that was negotiated over an extended period.
“We are going to continue working within this framework of understanding, which has defined guidelines … which respects our sovereignty and our territoriality.”
Sheinbaum's Position on Security Approach
The Mexican president has also appeared less enthusiastic on military-focused anti-narcotics tactics than her preceding leaders: on Monday, she dismissed any changes to the nation's safety approach despite the recent brutal killing of a mayor in a Mexican state.
“Some are calling for military action and armed conflict, as happened with the anti-drug campaign,” she said. “It proved ineffective.”
