Mexico's Leader Claudia Sheinbaum Rejects Claims of American Troop Deployment in the Country
The nation's President Claudia Sheinbaum has categorically denied reports that the United States is considering to deploy military forces into the country to confront powerful drug trafficking organizations, stating that she has repeatedly declined such offers from President Trump.
“It’s not going to happen,” Sheinbaum stated during her regular press briefing on Tuesday. “We are opposed to any form of interventionism or interventionism.”
Context on the Allegations
Sheinbaum's comments follow a report citing present and past US officials that the US government has started planning for a operation to deploy American military personnel and intelligence officers into Mexico.
This information suggested that although the mission was not immediate and a conclusive choice had been made, the initial phases of preparation had commenced along with discussions about the extent of the operation.
Additionally, the account mentioned that American forces would function under the jurisdiction of the American spy agencies, and that officers from the CIA would take part as well.
Mexico's Reaction
But the Mexican leader was insistent that her country had “no information” about such a planned intervention, even though she acknowledged that in phone calls with Trump, he had offered to send troops and additional resources to confront organized crime.
“I’ve always said thank you very much, Mr. Trump. But no, Mexico is a free, independent and sovereign nation,” the President declared.
Historical Cooperation and Present Tensions
The two nations have historically worked together in addressing drug-trafficking groups, with the United States at times sending intelligence, military and DEA agents to support Mexico's efforts to fight organized crime.
But the entry of US troops into Mexico to engage with the drug lords, particularly without the nation's consent, would be an unheard-of move that would almost certainly damage an fragile bilateral relationship.
Latest Measures and Agreements
The US government has designated confronting drug-trafficking groups a key element of its foreign policy: in February, Washington designated six Mexican cartels as terrorist groups.
It has also initiated a multiple strikes against alleged drug-trafficking boats, including targeting ships in the Pacific Ocean that resulted in the deaths of multiple suspects in recent weeks.
While authorities rescued a survivor from the attack, Sheinbaum criticized the actions and instructed representatives from her administration to address them with the US ambassador to the nation.
On that day, she also highlighted that Mexico had reached a security agreement with the US 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 territoriality.”
The President's Stance on Anti-Narcotics Strategy
The Mexican president has also appeared less enthusiastic on militarised anti-narcotics tactics than her preceding leaders: on the previous day, she ruled out any modifications to the nation's safety approach despite the recent brutal killing of a local official in western Mexico.
“Some are calling for militarization and war, as occurred with the anti-drug campaign,” Sheinbaum said. “That didn’t work.”