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The nation's President Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly denied allegations that the United States is planning to deploy military forces into the country to combat powerful drug trafficking organizations, stating that she has consistently refused such offers from President Trump.

“It’s not going to happen,” the President declared during her regular news conference on that day. “We are opposed to any form of interference or interventionism.”

Background on the Reports

Sheinbaum's remarks come after a report quoting current and former US officials that the US government has initiated preparations for a operation to send American military personnel and agents into the neighboring nation.

This information indicated that although the mission was not immediate and no final decision had been made, the initial phases of training had commenced along with discussions about the scope of the deployment.

Furthermore, the report stated that US troops would operate under the jurisdiction of the American spy agencies, and that personnel from the Central Intelligence Agency would also participate.

Mexico's Response

But Sheinbaum was adamant that her nation had “no information” about such a proposed incursion, even though she admitted that in conversations with Trump, he had offered to send troops and other assistance to confront criminal groups.

“I have repeatedly stated thank you very much, Mr. Trump. But absolutely not, our country is a free, sovereign and sovereign country,” Sheinbaum affirmed.

Past Cooperation and Present Strains

The two nations have historically worked together in tackling cartels, with the US at times sending intelligence, armed forces and Drug Enforcement Administration agents to support the country's initiatives to combat criminal networks.

But the incursion of American military into the territory to directly confront the cartels, especially without Mexico's consent, would be an unprecedented move that would likely fracture an fragile bilateral relationship.

Recent Actions and Understandings

The Trump administration has made confronting drug-trafficking groups a key element of its international strategy: in February, Washington designated six Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

Additionally, it has initiated a multiple strikes against alleged narco vessels, including targeting ships in the Pacific Ocean that killed 14 alleged traffickers in recent weeks.

Although Mexico rescued one of the survivors from the attack, Sheinbaum criticized the strikes and instructed officials from her government to address them with the American envoy to Mexico.

On Tuesday, Sheinbaum also highlighted that Mexico had finalized a security agreement with the United States that was negotiated over an extended period.

“We will proceed within this framework of understanding, which has very clear principles … which honors our independence and our territorial integrity.”

The President's Stance on Security Approach

The Mexican president has also seemed less enthusiastic on military-focused anti-narcotics tactics than her predecessors: on Monday, she ruled out any changes to the country’s safety approach despite the recent brutal killing of a local official in a Mexican state.

“There are demands for militarization and armed conflict, as happened with the war on drugs,” Sheinbaum said. “That didn’t work.”