The nation's head of state Claudia Sheinbaum has categorically denied allegations that the United States is considering to send military forces into Mexico to combat powerful drug trafficking organizations, emphasizing that she has consistently refused such offers from President Trump.
“This will not occur,” Sheinbaum stated during her regular press briefing on Tuesday. “We do not agree to any process of interference or external interference.”
Background on the Reports
Sheinbaum's comments come after a news story citing present and past US officials that the US government has started planning for a operation to deploy US troops and intelligence officers into Mexico.
This information indicated that although the mission was not imminent and no final decision had been made, the initial phases of preparation had commenced along with discussions about the scope of the deployment.
Additionally, the account stated that American forces would operate under the jurisdiction of the US intelligence community, and that personnel from the CIA would also participate.
Mexico's Response
But Sheinbaum was insistent that her nation had “no information” about such a proposed incursion, although she acknowledged that in phone calls with Trump, he had proposed to send troops and additional resources to confront organized crime.
“I have repeatedly stated thank you very much, Mr. Trump. But no, our country is a free, independent and sovereign nation,” the President affirmed.
Past Cooperation and Present Strains
The two nations have historically worked together in tackling drug-trafficking groups, with the US at times sending intelligence, armed forces and Drug Enforcement Administration operatives to assist the country's initiatives to combat organized crime.
But the incursion of American military into Mexico to directly confront the cartels, especially without the nation's consent, would be an unheard-of step that would almost certainly damage an already tenuous partnership between the two countries.
Recent Measures and Agreements
The Trump administration has designated addressing drug-trafficking groups a key element of its foreign policy: in last winter, Washington designated six Mexican cartels as terrorist groups.
Additionally, it has launched a multiple strikes against alleged narco vessels, including targeting vessels in the eastern Pacific that killed 14 alleged traffickers in recent weeks.
Although Mexico saved a survivor from the strike, the President criticized the strikes and ordered officials from her government to discuss them with the US ambassador to the nation.
On that day, Sheinbaum also highlighted that the country had reached a cooperation pact with the United States that was discussed over an extended period.
“We will proceed within this framework of understanding, which has very clear principles … which honors our sovereignty and our territoriality.”
The President's Position on Security Approach
The national leader has also appeared less enthusiastic on militarised drug combat strategies than her preceding leaders: on Monday, she dismissed any modifications to the country’s safety approach despite the recent brutal killing of a local official in a Mexican state.
“There are demands for military action and armed conflict, as happened with the war on drugs,” Sheinbaum said. “It proved ineffective.”
