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Mexico's President Sheinbaum has categorically rejected reports that the US government is planning to send military forces into Mexico to combat powerful cartels, stating that she has repeatedly refused such proposals from President Trump.

“It’s not going to happen,” the President declared during her daily morning press briefing on that day. “We are opposed to any process of interference or external interference.”

Background on the Allegations

The President's remarks come after a report citing current and former 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 mission was not immediate and no final decision had been made, the initial phases of preparation had commenced along with discussions about the extent of the operation.

Furthermore, the account stated that US troops would function under the jurisdiction of the US intelligence community, and that officers from the CIA would also participate.

The Nation's Reaction

But the Mexican leader was insistent that her country had “no information” about such a proposed incursion, even though she acknowledged that in conversations with the US president, he had proposed to dispatch military support and additional resources to tackle criminal groups.

“I have repeatedly stated thank you very much, Mr. Trump. But no, Mexico is a independent, independent and sovereign nation,” Sheinbaum declared.

Historical Cooperation and Current Tensions

The two nations have long collaborated in tackling cartels, with the United States at times sending CIA, armed forces and DEA agents to assist Mexico's efforts to fight criminal networks.

But the incursion of US troops into Mexico to engage with the cartels, particularly without the nation's agreement, would be an unprecedented move that would likely damage an fragile bilateral relationship.

Latest Measures and Agreements

The US government has made addressing criminal organizations a central pillar of its foreign policy: in last winter, the US classified multiple drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

It has also initiated a multiple strikes against suspected drug-trafficking boats, including targeting vessels in the eastern Pacific that resulted in the deaths of 14 alleged traffickers in recent weeks.

Although authorities saved a survivor from the attack, the President condemned the actions and ordered officials from her administration to discuss them with the American envoy to the nation.

On that day, she also highlighted that the country had reached a security agreement with the United States that was negotiated over several months.

“We are going to continue working within this framework of understanding, which has very clear principles … which respects our sovereignty and our territoriality.”

Sheinbaum's Stance on Security Approach

The national leader has also appeared less enthusiastic on military-focused drug combat strategies than her predecessors: on Monday, she dismissed any changes to the country’s safety approach despite the recent brutal killing of a local official in a Mexican state.

“Some are calling for militarization and armed conflict, as occurred with the war on drugs,” Sheinbaum said. “It proved ineffective.”