The nation's head of state Sheinbaum has categorically denied reports that the US government is planning to send troops into Mexico to confront powerful cartels, stating that she has consistently declined such offers from President Trump.
“This will not occur,” the President declared during her daily morning news conference on that day. “We do not agree to any process of interference or interventionism.”
Context on the Reports
Sheinbaum's comments follow a report quoting present and past American authorities that the US government has started planning for a mission to deploy American military personnel and intelligence officers into Mexico.
The report indicated that although the mission was not imminent and a conclusive choice had been made, the early stages of training had commenced along with discussions about the scope of the deployment.
Additionally, the account mentioned that US troops would operate under the jurisdiction of the US intelligence community, and that officers from the Central Intelligence Agency would take part as well.
Mexico's Reaction
But the Mexican leader was adamant that her country had “lack of details” about such a planned incursion, although she acknowledged that in conversations with the US president, he had proposed to send military support and additional resources to tackle criminal groups.
“I have repeatedly stated thank you very much, Mr. Trump. But no, our country is a free, sovereign and sovereign country,” Sheinbaum affirmed.
Historical Cooperation and Present Strains
The two nations have long collaborated in tackling cartels, with the US at times dispatching CIA, military and DEA operatives to assist Mexico's initiatives to fight criminal networks.
But the incursion of US troops into Mexico to directly confront the drug lords, particularly without Mexico's consent, would be an unprecedented move that would almost certainly fracture an fragile partnership between the two countries.
Latest Actions and Understandings
The US government has made addressing drug-trafficking groups a key element of its foreign policy: in last winter, Washington classified six Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
Additionally, it has initiated a series of attacks against suspected narco vessels, most recently targeting ships in the eastern Pacific that resulted in the deaths of multiple suspects in recent weeks.
Although Mexico rescued a survivor from the attack, Sheinbaum criticized the strikes and ordered representatives from her administration to discuss them with the American envoy to the nation.
On Tuesday, she also noted that the country had finalized a cooperation pact with the United States that was discussed over an extended period.
“We are going to continue working within this cooperative structure, which has defined guidelines … which honors our sovereignty and our territorial integrity.”
The President's Position on Anti-Narcotics Strategy
The Mexican president has also seemed cooler on militarised drug combat strategies than her preceding leaders: on Monday, she ruled out any modifications to the country’s security strategy despite the recent brutal killing of a mayor in western Mexico.
“There are demands for militarization and armed conflict, as occurred with the war on drugs,” Sheinbaum said. “That didn’t work.”
