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Mexico's President Sheinbaum has categorically denied reports that the United States is planning to send military forces into the country to combat dominant cartels, stating that she has repeatedly refused such proposals from President Trump.

“This will not occur,” Sheinbaum declared during her daily morning news conference on that day. “We are opposed to any process of interventionism or external interference.”

Context on the Allegations

The President's remarks come after a news story citing current and former American authorities that the US government has initiated preparations for a mission to deploy American military personnel and intelligence officers into the neighboring nation.

This information indicated that although the operation was not imminent and no final decision had been made, the initial phases of training had commenced along with discussions about the scope of the deployment.

Furthermore, the report mentioned that American forces would function under the jurisdiction of the US intelligence community, and that personnel from the CIA would take part as well.

The Nation's Reaction

But Sheinbaum was adamant that her country had “lack of details” about such a planned intervention, even though she acknowledged that in conversations with the US president, he had offered to send troops and additional resources to tackle criminal groups.

“I’ve always said thank you very much, Mr. Trump. But no, our country is a free, independent and sovereign country,” Sheinbaum affirmed.

Historical Collaboration and Current Tensions

Mexico and the US have historically worked together in tackling drug-trafficking groups, with the US at times dispatching intelligence, armed forces and Drug Enforcement Administration operatives to support Mexico's initiatives to combat criminal networks.

But the incursion of US troops into the territory to engage with the cartels, particularly without the nation's consent, would be an unprecedented step that would likely damage an fragile partnership between the two countries.

Latest Measures and Understandings

The US government has designated confronting criminal organizations a central pillar of its international strategy: in February, Washington classified six Mexican cartels as terrorist groups.

It has also launched a multiple strikes against suspected drug-trafficking boats, including striking ships in the eastern Pacific that resulted in the deaths of multiple suspects in late October.

Although Mexico saved one of the survivors from the attack, the President condemned the strikes and ordered representatives from her government to discuss them with the American envoy to the nation.

On that day, she also noted that Mexico had finalized a cooperation pact with the United States that was discussed over several months.

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

Sheinbaum's Stance on Security Strategy

The national leader has also seemed less enthusiastic on militarised drug combat strategies than her preceding leaders: on Monday, she dismissed any changes to the nation's security strategy despite the murder of a local official in a Mexican state.

“Some are calling for militarization and war, as occurred with the war on drugs,” Sheinbaum said. “It proved ineffective.”