Mexico's President Sheinbaum Rejects Claims of American Troop Deployment in Mexico

Mexico's head of state Sheinbaum has categorically denied allegations that the US government is considering to deploy military forces into Mexico to combat dominant cartels, emphasizing that she has consistently refused such proposals from President Trump.

“It’s not going to happen,” the President declared during her daily morning press briefing on Tuesday. “We do not agree to any process of interventionism or interventionism.”

Context on the Reports

The President's comments come after a news story quoting present and past US officials that the US government has started planning for a operation to send American military personnel and agents into Mexico.

This information indicated that although the operation was not immediate and no final decision had been made, the early stages of training had already begun along with talks about the extent of the operation.

Additionally, the account stated that US troops would operate under the authority of the American spy agencies, and that personnel from the CIA would also participate.

The Nation's Reaction

But Sheinbaum was insistent that her country had “no information” about such a proposed incursion, although she acknowledged that in phone calls with the US president, he had proposed to dispatch troops and other assistance to tackle criminal groups.

“I have repeatedly stated my gratitude, President Trump. But absolutely not, our country is a free, sovereign and autonomous nation,” the President affirmed.

Historical Collaboration and Current Tensions

The two nations have long collaborated in addressing drug-trafficking groups, with the US at times dispatching CIA, armed forces and Drug Enforcement Administration agents to support Mexico's initiatives to combat criminal networks.

But the entry of US troops into the territory to engage with the drug lords, especially without the nation's agreement, would be an unprecedented step that would likely damage an fragile partnership between the two countries.

Latest Measures and Understandings

The US government has designated addressing drug-trafficking groups a central pillar of its international strategy: in February, the US designated multiple drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

Additionally, it has launched a series of attacks against suspected narco vessels, most recently targeting vessels in the eastern Pacific that killed multiple suspects in recent weeks.

While authorities saved a survivor from the attack, Sheinbaum condemned the strikes and instructed officials from her government to discuss them with the American envoy to the nation.

On Tuesday, Sheinbaum also noted that the country had finalized a security agreement 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 independence and our territorial integrity.”

Sheinbaum's Position on Security Approach

The Mexican president has also appeared cooler on military-focused drug combat strategies than her predecessors: on the previous day, she ruled out any modifications to the country’s security strategy despite the recent brutal killing of a mayor in a Mexican state.

“There are demands for militarization and war, as occurred with the war on drugs,” Sheinbaum commented. “It proved ineffective.”

Amanda Flores
Amanda Flores

A tech journalist and digital strategist with over a decade of experience in analyzing emerging technologies and their impact on businesses.