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Mexico's President Sheinbaum has firmly denied allegations that the US government is considering to deploy military forces into the country to combat powerful drug trafficking organizations, stating that she has consistently declined 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 external interference.”

Context on the Allegations

Sheinbaum's comments come after a report citing present and past American authorities that the US government has started planning for a operation to deploy US troops and agents into the neighboring nation.

This information suggested that although the operation was not immediate and a conclusive choice had been made, the initial phases of preparation had commenced along with talks about the scope of the operation.

Additionally, the report mentioned that US troops would function under the authority of the American spy agencies, and that officers from the Central Intelligence Agency would take part as well.

The Nation's Response

But Sheinbaum was adamant that her country had “lack of details” about such a planned intervention, even though she admitted that in conversations with Trump, he had proposed to send military support and additional resources to tackle organized crime.

“I’ve always said my gratitude, President Trump. But absolutely not, our country is a free, independent and autonomous country,” the President affirmed.

Historical Collaboration and Present Tensions

Mexico and the US have long collaborated in addressing drug-trafficking groups, with the US at times sending intelligence, armed forces and DEA agents to assist Mexico's initiatives to fight organized crime.

But the entry of American military into Mexico to engage with the drug lords, particularly without Mexico's consent, would be an unheard-of step that would almost certainly damage an fragile bilateral relationship.

Latest Actions and Understandings

The US government has made addressing drug-trafficking groups a central pillar of its foreign policy: in February, the US designated multiple drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

It has also launched a series of attacks against suspected narco vessels, including striking ships in the Pacific Ocean that resulted in the deaths of 14 alleged traffickers in late October.

While authorities rescued one of the survivors from the strike, Sheinbaum criticized the strikes and ordered officials from her government to discuss them with the US ambassador to Mexico.

On Tuesday, she also highlighted that Mexico had finalized a cooperation pact 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 independence and our territoriality.”

The President's Position on Anti-Narcotics Approach

The Mexican president has also seemed cooler on military-focused anti-narcotics tactics than her preceding leaders: on Monday, she ruled out any modifications to the country’s safety approach despite the murder of a mayor in a Mexican state.

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