The nation's head of state Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly rejected reports that the US government is considering to deploy military forces into Mexico to combat dominant drug trafficking organizations, stating that she has repeatedly declined such proposals from President Trump.
“This will not occur,” the President stated during her regular news conference on that day. “We do not agree to any form of interference or external interference.”
Background on the Allegations
Sheinbaum's remarks follow a report quoting present and past American authorities that the US government has initiated preparations for a operation to deploy American military personnel and intelligence officers into the neighboring nation.
The report indicated that although the operation was not imminent and no final decision had been reached, the early stages of preparation had commenced along with talks about the extent of the operation.
Additionally, the report stated that US troops would operate under the authority of the US intelligence community, and that officers from the CIA would take part as well.
Mexico's Response
But Sheinbaum was adamant that her nation had “lack of details” about such a proposed incursion, even though she acknowledged that in conversations with Trump, he had offered to dispatch military support and other assistance to confront criminal groups.
“I’ve always said my gratitude, President Trump. But no, our country is a free, independent and sovereign country,” the President affirmed.
Historical Collaboration and Current Tensions
The two nations have long collaborated in addressing drug-trafficking groups, with the United States at times dispatching CIA, armed forces and DEA operatives to support Mexico's efforts to combat organized crime.
But the entry of US troops into the territory to engage with the cartels, especially without Mexico's agreement, would be an unheard-of move that would almost certainly damage an already tenuous partnership between the two countries.
Recent Measures and Agreements
The Trump administration has made addressing drug-trafficking groups a central pillar of its foreign policy: in last winter, Washington designated six Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
Additionally, it has initiated a series of attacks against alleged drug-trafficking boats, including targeting vessels in the eastern Pacific that resulted in the deaths of 14 alleged traffickers in recent weeks.
While Mexico saved a survivor from the attack, the President criticized the strikes and instructed officials from her administration to address them with the US ambassador to Mexico.
On that day, Sheinbaum also noted that the country had reached a security agreement with the United States that was discussed over several months.
“We will proceed within this framework of understanding, which has very clear principles … which respects our independence and our territoriality.”
The President's Position on Security Approach
The national leader has also seemed cooler on military-focused drug combat strategies than her preceding leaders: on Monday, she dismissed any modifications to the nation'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,” she commented. “It proved ineffective.”
