Mexico's Leader Sheinbaum Denies Claims of American Troop Deployment in the Country
Mexico's head of state Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly denied allegations that the United States is planning to send troops into Mexico to confront dominant drug trafficking organizations, emphasizing that she has repeatedly declined such offers from President Trump.
“It’s not going to happen,” Sheinbaum declared during her daily morning news conference on Tuesday. “We do not agree to any form of interventionism or interventionism.”
Background on the Reports
Sheinbaum's remarks come after a report citing current and former US officials that the Trump administration has started planning for a operation to deploy US troops and agents into the neighboring nation.
The report indicated that although the operation was not immediate and a conclusive choice had been made, the early stages of preparation had already begun along with discussions about the scope of the operation.
Additionally, the report stated that US troops would function under the jurisdiction of the American spy agencies, and that personnel from the CIA would take part as well.
Mexico's Reaction
But the Mexican leader was insistent that her nation had “no information” about such a proposed incursion, although she admitted that in phone calls with the US president, he had offered to dispatch military support and other assistance to confront organized crime.
“I have repeatedly stated thank you very much, Mr. Trump. But no, Mexico is a independent, independent and autonomous country,” the President affirmed.
Past Collaboration and Present Tensions
Mexico and the US have historically worked together in addressing drug-trafficking groups, with the United States at times dispatching intelligence, military and DEA operatives to support Mexico's efforts to combat criminal networks.
But the entry of US troops into Mexico to directly confront the drug lords, particularly without Mexico's consent, would be an unheard-of move that would almost certainly fracture an already tenuous partnership between the two countries.
Latest Measures and Understandings
The Trump administration has made addressing criminal organizations a key element of its international strategy: in February, Washington classified six Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
It has also initiated a series of attacks against alleged narco vessels, most recently striking ships in the eastern Pacific that resulted in the deaths of 14 alleged traffickers in late October.
Although authorities rescued a survivor from the strike, Sheinbaum condemned the strikes and instructed representatives from her administration to discuss them with the American envoy to Mexico.
On Tuesday, Sheinbaum also highlighted that Mexico had reached a cooperation pact with the United States that was negotiated over an extended period.
“We are going to continue working within this framework of understanding, which has very clear principles … which respects our independence and our territorial integrity.”
Sheinbaum's Stance on Anti-Narcotics Strategy
The national leader has also appeared less enthusiastic on militarised anti-narcotics tactics than her preceding leaders: on Monday, she ruled out any changes to the nation's security strategy despite the murder of a mayor in western Mexico.
“There are demands for militarization and war, as occurred with the anti-drug campaign,” Sheinbaum commented. “It proved ineffective.”