Mexican President Sheinbaum Denies Claims of US Military Intervention in Mexico
Mexico's President Sheinbaum has firmly denied allegations that the US government is considering to send military forces into Mexico to confront dominant drug trafficking organizations, emphasizing that she has consistently declined such proposals from Donald Trump.
“It’s not going to happen,” the President declared during her regular news conference on that day. “We are opposed to any process of interventionism or interventionism.”
Background on the Allegations
Sheinbaum's remarks follow a report citing current and former US officials that the US government has started planning for a mission to send US troops and agents into Mexico.
The report indicated that although the mission was not immediate and a conclusive choice had been reached, the early stages of preparation had already begun along with talks about the extent of the operation.
Furthermore, the account stated that American forces would function under the jurisdiction of the American spy agencies, and that officers from the CIA would take part as well.
Mexico's Response
But Sheinbaum was adamant that her nation had “no information” about such a proposed incursion, although she admitted that in phone calls with Trump, he had offered to send troops and other assistance to confront criminal groups.
“I have repeatedly stated my gratitude, Mr. Trump. But no, Mexico is a independent, independent and sovereign nation,” the President declared.
Historical Collaboration and Current Strains
The two nations have long collaborated in tackling drug-trafficking groups, with the United States at times sending CIA, armed forces and DEA agents to assist the country's initiatives to combat organized crime.
But the entry of American military into the territory to engage with the drug lords, particularly without Mexico's agreement, would be an unheard-of move that would almost certainly damage an already tenuous partnership between the two countries.
Recent Actions and Agreements
The US government has made confronting drug-trafficking groups a central pillar of its foreign policy: in February, the US designated multiple drug cartels as terrorist groups.
It has also initiated a series of attacks against alleged drug-trafficking boats, most recently targeting ships in the eastern Pacific that resulted in the deaths of 14 alleged traffickers in recent weeks.
Although authorities rescued a survivor from the strike, the President condemned the actions and instructed officials from her government to discuss them with the American envoy to the nation.
On that day, she also noted that the country had reached a cooperation pact with the US that was negotiated over several months.
“We are going to continue working within this framework of understanding, which has very clear principles … which respects our independence and our territoriality.”
Sheinbaum's Stance on Anti-Narcotics Approach
The national leader has also seemed less enthusiastic on militarised drug combat strategies than her predecessors: on Monday, she ruled out any changes to the nation's safety approach despite the murder of a mayor in western Mexico.
“Some are calling for militarization and armed conflict, as occurred with the anti-drug campaign,” Sheinbaum said. “That didn’t work.”