The nation's head of state Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly rejected reports that the United States is considering to send troops into Mexico to confront powerful cartels, emphasizing that she has consistently declined such proposals from Donald Trump.
“It’s not going to happen,” the President declared during her daily morning news conference on Tuesday. “We are opposed to any form of interference or interventionism.”
Context on the Reports
The President's remarks come after a news story citing current and former American authorities that the Trump administration has started planning for a operation to send US troops and intelligence officers into Mexico.
The report indicated that although the mission was not immediate and a conclusive choice had been reached, the early stages of training had commenced along with talks about the scope of the operation.
Furthermore, the account mentioned that American forces would operate under the authority of the US intelligence community, and that officers from the CIA would take part as well.
The Nation's Reaction
But the Mexican leader was adamant that her nation had “no information” about such a proposed intervention, even though she acknowledged that in phone calls with Trump, he had offered to dispatch troops and other assistance to tackle criminal groups.
“I have repeatedly stated my gratitude, Mr. Trump. But no, our country is a independent, independent and autonomous nation,” Sheinbaum declared.
Historical Cooperation and Current Tensions
Mexico and the US have long collaborated in addressing cartels, with the United States at times sending CIA, armed forces and Drug Enforcement Administration agents to support Mexico's initiatives to fight organized crime.
But the incursion of American military into the territory to engage with the cartels, especially without Mexico's agreement, would be an unheard-of step that would almost certainly damage an fragile bilateral relationship.
Recent Actions and Understandings
The US government has designated addressing criminal organizations a key element of its foreign policy: in last winter, the US classified multiple drug cartels as terrorist groups.
Additionally, it has initiated a series of attacks against alleged drug-trafficking boats, including targeting ships in the Pacific Ocean that resulted in the deaths of multiple suspects in late October.
Although Mexico rescued a survivor from the attack, the President criticized the strikes and instructed officials from her government to discuss them with the US ambassador to Mexico.
On Tuesday, she also noted that Mexico had finalized a security agreement with the United States that was discussed over several months.
“We will proceed within this cooperative structure, 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 seemed less enthusiastic on military-focused anti-narcotics tactics than her predecessors: on the previous day, she ruled out any modifications to the country’s safety approach despite the recent brutal killing of a mayor in a Mexican state.
“Some are calling for military action and armed conflict, as occurred with the war on drugs,” Sheinbaum commented. “It proved ineffective.”
