The nation's President Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly denied allegations that the United States is planning to deploy troops into the country to confront powerful cartels, stating that she has repeatedly declined such offers from Donald 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 comments follow a news story citing current and former American authorities that the Trump administration has started planning for a mission to send US troops and agents into the neighboring nation.
This information suggested that although the operation was not imminent and a conclusive choice had been reached, the initial phases of training had already begun along with discussions about the extent of the operation.
Furthermore, the account mentioned that US troops would function under the jurisdiction of the US intelligence community, and that personnel from the Central Intelligence Agency would also participate.
Mexico's Reaction
But the Mexican leader was adamant that her country had “no information” about such a proposed incursion, even though she acknowledged that in conversations with the US president, he had offered to dispatch troops and other assistance to confront criminal groups.
“I have repeatedly stated my gratitude, President Trump. But no, Mexico is a independent, sovereign and sovereign country,” Sheinbaum declared.
Historical Collaboration and Current Strains
Mexico and the US have historically worked together in tackling cartels, with the US at times sending CIA, military and Drug Enforcement Administration agents to assist the country's efforts to fight organized crime.
But the entry of American military into the territory to engage with the cartels, particularly without Mexico's agreement, would be an unheard-of move that would likely damage an fragile partnership between the two countries.
Recent Measures and Understandings
The Trump administration has designated confronting drug-trafficking groups a central pillar of its foreign policy: in February, Washington designated six Mexican cartels as terrorist groups.
It has also launched a series of attacks against suspected drug-trafficking boats, most recently targeting ships in the Pacific Ocean that killed multiple suspects in recent weeks.
While Mexico saved one of the survivors from the attack, the President criticized the strikes and instructed officials from her administration to address them with the American envoy to the nation.
On Tuesday, she also highlighted that Mexico had finalized a security agreement with the US that was negotiated over several months.
“We will proceed within this cooperative structure, which has very clear principles … which honors our independence and our territoriality.”
Sheinbaum's Position on Security Strategy
The Mexican president has also seemed less enthusiastic on military-focused anti-narcotics tactics than her predecessors: on Monday, she ruled out any changes to the country’s security strategy despite the murder of a mayor in western Mexico.
“There are demands for militarization and armed conflict, as occurred with the war on drugs,” Sheinbaum said. “It proved ineffective.”
