Mexican President Sheinbaum Denies Reports of American Military Intervention in the Country

The nation's President Sheinbaum has categorically denied reports that the US government is considering to send troops into the country to confront powerful cartels, stating that she has consistently declined such proposals from Donald Trump.

“It’s not going to happen,” the President declared during her daily morning press briefing on that day. “We are opposed to any process of interference or external interference.”

Context on the Allegations

The President's comments follow a news story quoting current and former American authorities that the US government has started planning for a operation to deploy American military personnel and intelligence officers into the neighboring nation.

This information indicated that although the mission was not immediate and a conclusive choice had been made, the initial phases of preparation had already begun along with talks about the extent of the operation.

Furthermore, the report stated that American forces would operate under the jurisdiction of the US intelligence community, and that officers from the Central Intelligence Agency would also participate.

The Nation's Response

But the Mexican leader was insistent that her country had “no information” about such a planned incursion, even though she admitted that in conversations with the US president, he had proposed to send troops and other assistance to tackle organized crime.

“I’ve always said thank you very much, President Trump. But absolutely not, our country is a free, sovereign and sovereign nation,” the President declared.

Past Cooperation and Present Tensions

Mexico and the US have historically worked together in addressing cartels, with the United States at times sending CIA, armed forces and Drug Enforcement Administration operatives to support the country's efforts to fight criminal networks.

But the entry of American military into the territory to engage with the cartels, particularly without Mexico's agreement, would be an unprecedented step that would almost certainly damage an fragile partnership between the two countries.

Latest Measures and Understandings

The Trump administration has made addressing criminal organizations a central pillar of its foreign policy: in February, the US classified six Mexican cartels as terrorist groups.

It has also initiated a series of attacks against suspected drug-trafficking boats, most recently striking ships in the Pacific Ocean that killed 14 alleged traffickers in recent weeks.

Although authorities saved one of the survivors from the attack, the President condemned the strikes and instructed representatives from her administration to address them with the American envoy to Mexico.

On that day, Sheinbaum also highlighted that Mexico had reached a cooperation pact with the US that was discussed over an extended period.

“We are going to continue working within this framework of understanding, which has very clear principles … which honors our sovereignty and our territorial integrity.”

The President's Position on Anti-Narcotics Strategy

The Mexican president has also appeared cooler on military-focused drug combat strategies than her preceding leaders: on Monday, she dismissed any changes to the nation's safety approach despite the recent brutal killing of a mayor in western Mexico.

“There are demands for militarization and war, as happened with the anti-drug campaign,” Sheinbaum said. “That didn’t work.”