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Mexico's President Sheinbaum has categorically rejected reports that the US government is considering to deploy military forces into Mexico to confront dominant cartels, stating that she has repeatedly refused such proposals from President Trump.

“This will not occur,” Sheinbaum declared during her regular press briefing on that day. “We are opposed to any process of interference or interventionism.”

Background on the Reports

Sheinbaum's comments come after a news story citing current and former US officials that the Trump administration has initiated preparations for a operation to send US troops and intelligence officers into Mexico.

The report suggested that although the operation was not imminent and no final decision had been made, the initial phases of training had already begun along with talks about the scope of the deployment.

Additionally, the report stated that US troops would function under the jurisdiction of the US intelligence community, and that officers from the Central Intelligence Agency would also participate.

The Nation's Reaction

But the Mexican leader was adamant that her country had “lack of details” about such a proposed incursion, although she admitted that in phone calls with the US president, he had proposed to send troops and additional resources to tackle criminal groups.

“I’ve always said my gratitude, President Trump. But no, Mexico is a free, independent and sovereign country,” the President affirmed.

Past Collaboration and Current Tensions

The two nations have historically worked together in tackling cartels, with the United States at times sending intelligence, armed forces and DEA agents to assist the country's efforts to fight criminal networks.

But the incursion of American military into Mexico to engage with the drug lords, particularly without Mexico's agreement, would be an unheard-of move that would likely fracture an fragile partnership between the two countries.

Latest Measures and Agreements

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

It has also launched a series of attacks against suspected narco vessels, including targeting vessels in the Pacific Ocean that killed multiple suspects in recent weeks.

While authorities rescued one of the survivors from the attack, Sheinbaum criticized the actions and instructed officials from her administration to address them with the US ambassador to the nation.

On Tuesday, she also highlighted that the country had reached a cooperation pact with the US that was discussed over an extended period.

“We are going to continue working within this cooperative structure, which has defined guidelines … which respects our independence and our territorial integrity.”

The President's Position on Anti-Narcotics Strategy

The Mexican president has also seemed less enthusiastic on military-focused anti-narcotics tactics than her predecessors: on Monday, she ruled out any changes to the country’s safety approach despite the murder of a mayor in a Mexican state.

“Some are calling for military action and war, as happened with the war on drugs,” she commented. “That didn’t work.”