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The nation's President Sheinbaum has firmly denied allegations that the US government is planning to send troops into the country to combat dominant cartels, emphasizing that she has consistently declined such offers from Donald Trump.

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

Background on the Allegations

The President's remarks follow a report quoting current and former American authorities that the US government has initiated preparations for a mission to deploy US troops and agents into Mexico.

The report suggested that although the operation was not immediate and a conclusive choice had been made, the initial phases of training had already begun along with discussions about the extent of the operation.

Additionally, the account stated that American forces would operate under the jurisdiction of the US intelligence community, and that personnel from the Central Intelligence Agency would take part as well.

Mexico's Response

But Sheinbaum was insistent that her country had “no information” about such a proposed incursion, although she admitted that in phone calls with Trump, he had proposed to send troops and other assistance to confront criminal groups.

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

Historical Cooperation and Present Tensions

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

But the entry of US troops into Mexico to directly confront the drug lords, especially without the nation's agreement, would be an unprecedented move that would likely fracture an already tenuous partnership between the two countries.

Latest Measures and Understandings

The Trump administration has made confronting drug-trafficking groups a central pillar of its foreign policy: in February, Washington classified six Mexican cartels as terrorist groups.

Additionally, it has launched a series of attacks against suspected narco vessels, most recently targeting ships in the eastern Pacific that resulted in the deaths of multiple suspects in late October.

While Mexico saved one of the survivors from the strike, Sheinbaum criticized the strikes and ordered representatives from her administration to discuss them with the American envoy to the nation.

On Tuesday, Sheinbaum also noted that the country had finalized a security agreement with the United States 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 territoriality.”

The President's Stance on Security Approach

The Mexican president has also seemed less enthusiastic on militarised drug combat strategies than her preceding leaders: on Monday, she dismissed any changes to the country’s safety approach despite the murder of a mayor in a Mexican state.

“Some are calling for militarization and war, as happened with the war on drugs,” Sheinbaum said. “That didn’t work.”