🔗 Share this article

Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly rejected allegations that the United States is considering to deploy troops into Mexico to combat powerful cartels, emphasizing that she has consistently refused such offers from Donald Trump.

“This will not occur,” the President declared during her daily morning news conference on Tuesday. “We are opposed to any process of interventionism or external interference.”

Context on the Reports

The President's remarks come after a news story quoting current and former US officials that the Trump administration has initiated preparations for a operation to send US troops and intelligence officers into Mexico.

The report suggested that although the operation was not imminent and a conclusive choice had been reached, the early stages of training had commenced along with discussions about the extent of the operation.

Furthermore, the report stated that American forces would function under the authority of the American spy agencies, and that officers from the Central Intelligence Agency would also participate.

Mexico's Reaction

But the Mexican leader was adamant that her nation had “no information” about such a proposed intervention, even though she admitted that in phone calls with the US president, he had proposed to send troops and additional resources to confront criminal groups.

“I have repeatedly stated my gratitude, President Trump. But absolutely not, Mexico is a independent, independent and autonomous nation,” Sheinbaum affirmed.

Past Collaboration and Present Tensions

Mexico and the US have historically worked together in tackling drug-trafficking groups, with the United States at times sending intelligence, military and Drug Enforcement Administration operatives to support the country's initiatives to fight organized crime.

But the incursion of American military into the territory to engage with the cartels, particularly without Mexico's agreement, would be an unprecedented move that would likely fracture an already tenuous partnership between the two countries.

Recent Actions and Understandings

The Trump administration has made confronting criminal organizations a central pillar of its international strategy: in February, Washington designated six Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

Additionally, it has launched a multiple strikes against suspected narco vessels, most recently striking vessels in the Pacific Ocean that resulted in the deaths of 14 alleged traffickers in late October.

Although authorities saved one of the survivors from the attack, Sheinbaum condemned the strikes and ordered representatives from her administration to address them with the American envoy to the nation.

On Tuesday, she also highlighted that the country had reached a cooperation pact with the US that was discussed over an extended period.

“We are going to continue working within this cooperative structure, which has very clear principles … which respects our sovereignty and our territoriality.”

The President's Position on Anti-Narcotics Strategy

The national leader has also appeared cooler on military-focused anti-narcotics tactics than her preceding leaders: on Monday, she ruled out any modifications to the country’s security strategy despite the murder of a mayor in a Mexican state.

“Some are calling for militarization and armed conflict, as happened with the war on drugs,” Sheinbaum said. “It proved ineffective.”