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The nation's head of state Sheinbaum has categorically rejected reports that the United States is considering to send troops into the country to combat powerful drug trafficking organizations, stating that she has repeatedly declined such offers from President Trump.

“This will not occur,” the President declared during her regular press briefing on that day. “We are opposed to any form of interference or external interference.”

Background on the Reports

Sheinbaum's remarks come after a report citing current and former US officials that the Trump administration has started planning for a operation to deploy US troops and agents into Mexico.

The report indicated that although the operation was not imminent and no final decision had been made, the early stages of preparation had commenced along with discussions about the extent of the deployment.

Additionally, the account mentioned that American forces would function under the authority of the US intelligence community, and that officers from the CIA would also participate.

The Nation's Response

But the Mexican leader was adamant that her country had “lack of details” about such a proposed intervention, although she acknowledged that in conversations with the US president, he had proposed to dispatch troops and additional resources to confront organized crime.

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

Past Cooperation and Present Strains

Mexico and the US have historically worked together in addressing cartels, with the US at times sending intelligence, military and DEA operatives to assist Mexico's efforts to fight criminal networks.

But the incursion of US troops into Mexico to engage with the drug lords, especially without Mexico's agreement, would be an unheard-of step that would likely fracture an already tenuous partnership between the two countries.

Latest Measures and Agreements

The Trump administration has designated confronting drug-trafficking groups a central pillar of its international strategy: in February, the US designated six Mexican cartels as terrorist groups.

It has also initiated a series of attacks against suspected narco vessels, including striking ships in the eastern Pacific that killed multiple suspects in late October.

Although authorities rescued one of the survivors from the attack, Sheinbaum criticized the actions and ordered officials from her administration to discuss them with the American envoy to Mexico.

On that day, Sheinbaum also highlighted that the country had finalized a cooperation pact with the US that was discussed over several months.

“We will proceed within this framework of understanding, which has very clear principles … which respects our independence and our territoriality.”

Sheinbaum's Stance on Security Approach

The national leader has also seemed less enthusiastic on military-focused drug combat strategies than her preceding leaders: on Monday, she dismissed any modifications to the country’s security strategy despite the murder of a local official in western Mexico.

“Some are calling for military action and armed conflict, as occurred with the anti-drug campaign,” she said. “That didn’t work.”