Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Rejects Reports of US Military Intervention in the Country

The nation's head of state Claudia Sheinbaum has categorically rejected reports that the US government is considering to deploy troops into the country to combat dominant cartels, stating that she has repeatedly refused such offers from Donald Trump.

“This will not occur,” the President declared during her regular news conference on that day. “We do not agree to any form of interventionism or external interference.”

Context on the Reports

Sheinbaum's remarks come after a report citing present and past US officials that the Trump administration has initiated preparations for a mission to send US troops and intelligence officers into the neighboring nation.

This information indicated that although the operation was not imminent and no final decision had been reached, the early stages of training had already begun along with discussions about the scope of the deployment.

Furthermore, the account mentioned that American forces would operate under the authority of the American spy agencies, and that personnel from the CIA would take part as well.

Mexico's Reaction

But the Mexican leader was adamant that her country had “no information” about such a proposed intervention, although she admitted that in phone calls with the US president, he had offered to send military support and additional resources to tackle criminal groups.

“I have repeatedly stated my gratitude, President Trump. But absolutely not, our country is a free, independent and autonomous country,” the President declared.

Past Collaboration and Present Tensions

Mexico and the US have historically worked together in addressing cartels, with the US at times dispatching CIA, military and Drug Enforcement Administration operatives to assist the country's initiatives to fight criminal networks.

But the incursion of US troops into Mexico to directly confront the cartels, particularly without Mexico's agreement, would be an unprecedented move that would likely fracture an fragile bilateral relationship.

Latest Actions and Understandings

The US government has designated addressing drug-trafficking groups a key element of its international strategy: in last winter, the US designated multiple drug cartels as terrorist groups.

It has also launched a multiple strikes against suspected narco vessels, including targeting vessels in the Pacific Ocean that resulted in the deaths of 14 alleged traffickers in late October.

While Mexico rescued a survivor from the strike, the President condemned the strikes and instructed representatives from her government to address them with the American envoy to Mexico.

On Tuesday, Sheinbaum also noted that Mexico had reached a security agreement with the US that was discussed over an extended period.

“We will proceed within this framework of understanding, which has defined guidelines … which honors our sovereignty and our territorial integrity.”

Sheinbaum's Stance on Security Strategy

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

“Some are calling for military action and armed conflict, as happened with the anti-drug campaign,” Sheinbaum commented. “That didn’t work.”