Mexican President Sheinbaum Denies Reports of US Troop Deployment in the Country
Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum has categorically denied reports that the US government is planning to send military forces into Mexico to combat powerful drug trafficking organizations, emphasizing that she has consistently declined such proposals from Donald Trump.
“This will not occur,” the President declared during her regular press briefing on Tuesday. “We do not agree to any form of interference or interventionism.”
Background on the Reports
Sheinbaum's remarks come after a report citing present and past US officials that the US government has initiated preparations for a mission to deploy US troops and intelligence officers into Mexico.
The report suggested that although the mission was not immediate and a conclusive choice had been reached, the initial phases of preparation had already begun along with discussions about the scope of the deployment.
Furthermore, the report stated that American forces would function under the authority of the American spy agencies, and that personnel from the Central Intelligence Agency would also participate.
The Nation's Reaction
But the Mexican leader was adamant that her nation had “lack of details” about such a proposed incursion, although she admitted that in conversations with the US president, he had proposed to send military support and additional resources to tackle organized crime.
“I’ve always said my gratitude, Mr. Trump. But no, our country is a independent, sovereign and autonomous country,” the President declared.
Historical Cooperation and Current Strains
The two nations have historically worked together in addressing cartels, with the US at times sending intelligence, military and DEA operatives to assist Mexico's efforts to combat criminal networks.
But the incursion of US troops into Mexico to engage with the cartels, especially without the nation's consent, would be an unheard-of step that would almost certainly damage an already tenuous bilateral relationship.
Latest Actions and Understandings
The Trump administration has designated 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 launched a multiple strikes against suspected narco vessels, including striking ships in the Pacific Ocean that killed multiple suspects in late October.
Although authorities saved one of the survivors from the attack, Sheinbaum condemned the actions and ordered representatives from her administration to address them with the US ambassador to the nation.
On Tuesday, Sheinbaum also highlighted that Mexico had finalized a security agreement with the US that was negotiated over several months.
“We are going to continue working within this framework of understanding, which has defined guidelines … which respects our independence and our territoriality.”
The President's Position on Anti-Narcotics Approach
The Mexican president has also appeared less enthusiastic on militarised 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 mayor in western Mexico.
“There are demands for militarization and war, as happened with the war on drugs,” she said. “It proved ineffective.”
