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The nation's President Claudia Sheinbaum has categorically denied reports that the United States is considering to send military forces into the country to combat dominant cartels, stating that she has consistently refused such proposals from Donald Trump.

“This will not occur,” Sheinbaum stated during her regular news conference on that day. “We are opposed to any form of interventionism or external interference.”

Background on the Allegations

Sheinbaum's remarks follow a report citing present and past US officials that the Trump administration has started planning for a mission to deploy US troops and intelligence officers into Mexico.

This information indicated that although the mission was not imminent and no final decision had been reached, the early stages of training had already begun along with discussions about the extent of the operation.

Furthermore, the account mentioned that US troops would operate under the authority of the American spy agencies, and that personnel from the CIA would take part as well.

Mexico's Reaction

But Sheinbaum was adamant that her country had “no information” about such a planned incursion, although she admitted that in phone calls with the US president, he had proposed to dispatch military support and other assistance to confront organized crime.

“I have repeatedly stated my gratitude, President Trump. But absolutely not, our country is a independent, sovereign and autonomous nation,” Sheinbaum declared.

Historical Collaboration and Current Strains

Mexico and the US have historically worked together in tackling cartels, with the US at times dispatching intelligence, military and Drug Enforcement Administration agents to assist Mexico's efforts to fight organized crime.

But the incursion of American military into Mexico to engage with the cartels, especially without the nation's agreement, would be an unprecedented step that would almost certainly fracture an already tenuous bilateral relationship.

Latest Measures and Agreements

The US government has designated addressing drug-trafficking groups a key element of its international strategy: in February, the US classified multiple drug cartels as terrorist groups.

It has also launched a multiple strikes against alleged drug-trafficking boats, including striking vessels in the eastern Pacific that resulted in the deaths of multiple suspects in recent weeks.

While Mexico saved a survivor from the strike, the President criticized the strikes and instructed representatives from her administration to address them with the US ambassador to the nation.

On that day, Sheinbaum also noted that the country had reached a cooperation pact with the United States that was negotiated over an extended period.

“We are going to continue working within this framework of understanding, which has very clear principles … which honors our independence and our territorial integrity.”

The President's Position on Security Approach

The Mexican president has also seemed less enthusiastic 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 murder of a local official in a Mexican state.

“Some are calling for militarization and war, as happened with the anti-drug campaign,” she commented. “That didn’t work.”