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The nation's President Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly rejected allegations that the United States is planning to deploy military forces into the country to combat dominant drug trafficking organizations, stating that she has consistently declined such proposals from Donald Trump.

“It’s not going to happen,” Sheinbaum declared during her regular press briefing on that day. “We are opposed to any form of interventionism or external interference.”

Background on the Reports

The President's remarks follow a news story citing current and former US officials that the Trump administration has started planning for a mission to deploy American military personnel and agents into Mexico.

This information indicated that although the mission was not imminent and a conclusive choice had been reached, the initial phases of preparation had already begun along with discussions about the extent of the operation.

Furthermore, the report stated that American forces would function under the jurisdiction of the US intelligence community, and that personnel from the Central Intelligence Agency would also participate.

The Nation's Response

But Sheinbaum was adamant that her nation 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 confront criminal groups.

“I’ve always said my gratitude, Mr. Trump. But absolutely not, Mexico is a free, independent and sovereign country,” Sheinbaum affirmed.

Historical Cooperation and Current Strains

The two nations have historically worked together in addressing cartels, with the United States at times dispatching intelligence, military and DEA operatives to assist Mexico's efforts to combat criminal networks.

But the entry of American military into the territory to engage with the cartels, particularly without the nation's agreement, would be an unprecedented move that would likely fracture an fragile bilateral relationship.

Recent Actions and Understandings

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

Additionally, it has initiated a series of attacks against suspected drug-trafficking boats, most recently striking ships in the eastern Pacific that resulted in the deaths of multiple suspects in recent weeks.

While Mexico saved one of the survivors from the strike, Sheinbaum criticized the actions and ordered officials from her government to discuss them with the American envoy to Mexico.

On Tuesday, she also noted that Mexico had finalized a cooperation pact with the US that was discussed over several months.

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

Sheinbaum's Position on Anti-Narcotics Approach

The national leader has also appeared cooler on militarised drug combat strategies than her predecessors: on the previous day, she dismissed any changes to the nation's safety approach despite the recent brutal killing of a local official in a Mexican state.

“There are demands for military action and war, as occurred with the anti-drug campaign,” Sheinbaum commented. “That didn’t work.”