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The nation's President Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly denied reports that the United States is planning to send troops into the country to confront powerful cartels, emphasizing that she has consistently declined such offers from Donald Trump.

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

Background on the Reports

Sheinbaum's comments follow a news story quoting current and former US officials that the Trump administration has initiated preparations for a mission to deploy US troops and intelligence officers into the neighboring nation.

The report suggested that although the mission was not imminent and a conclusive choice had been reached, the early stages of training had already begun along with talks about the extent of the deployment.

Furthermore, the account mentioned that American forces would operate under the jurisdiction of the US intelligence community, and that officers from the CIA would also participate.

The Nation's Response

But Sheinbaum was adamant that her nation had “lack of details” about such a planned intervention, even though she admitted that in phone calls with the US president, he had proposed to send troops and other assistance to tackle criminal groups.

“I have repeatedly stated my gratitude, Mr. Trump. But no, our country is a independent, sovereign and autonomous nation,” Sheinbaum affirmed.

Historical Cooperation and Present Tensions

Mexico and the US have historically worked together in addressing cartels, with the US at times sending intelligence, military and Drug Enforcement Administration agents to support the country's initiatives to combat organized crime.

But the entry of US troops into the territory to directly confront the drug lords, particularly without Mexico's agreement, would be an unprecedented move that would almost certainly fracture an fragile bilateral relationship.

Recent Actions and Agreements

The US government has designated addressing criminal organizations a key element of its foreign policy: in last winter, Washington classified six Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

Additionally, it has launched a multiple strikes against suspected drug-trafficking boats, including striking vessels in the Pacific Ocean that killed 14 alleged traffickers in recent weeks.

Although Mexico saved a survivor from the attack, the President criticized the actions and ordered officials from her government to discuss them with the US ambassador to Mexico.

On that day, she also highlighted that Mexico had finalized a cooperation pact with the United States that was negotiated over several months.

“We will proceed within this framework of understanding, which has defined guidelines … which honors our independence and our territoriality.”

The President's Stance on Security Approach

The Mexican president has also appeared cooler on military-focused anti-narcotics tactics than her predecessors: on the previous day, she dismissed any modifications to the country’s safety approach despite the recent brutal killing of a local official in western Mexico.

“Some are calling for military action and war, as occurred with the anti-drug campaign,” she said. “It proved ineffective.”