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Mexico's President Sheinbaum has firmly denied reports that the US government is considering to deploy troops into the country to confront dominant cartels, stating that she has repeatedly refused such proposals from President Trump.

“This will not occur,” Sheinbaum declared during her daily morning press briefing on Tuesday. “We are opposed to any form of interventionism or external interference.”

Context on the Allegations

Sheinbaum's comments follow a report citing present and past American authorities that the Trump administration has started planning for a operation to deploy American military personnel and agents into the neighboring nation.

The report indicated that although the mission was not imminent and a conclusive choice had been made, the early stages of training had already begun along with discussions about the scope of the deployment.

Additionally, the report mentioned that US troops would function under the jurisdiction of the American spy agencies, and that officers from the Central Intelligence Agency would take part as well.

The Nation's Response

But the Mexican leader was adamant that her country had “no information” about such a proposed incursion, although she admitted that in conversations with Trump, he had proposed to send troops and other assistance to tackle organized crime.

“I’ve always said thank you very much, Mr. Trump. But no, Mexico is a free, independent and autonomous country,” the President declared.

Past Collaboration and Present Tensions

The two nations have long collaborated in tackling drug-trafficking groups, with the United States at times dispatching intelligence, armed forces and DEA operatives to assist Mexico's initiatives to fight criminal networks.

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

Recent Measures and Agreements

The Trump administration has made confronting criminal organizations a central pillar of its foreign policy: in February, the US designated multiple drug cartels as terrorist groups.

Additionally, it has launched a series of attacks against suspected drug-trafficking boats, most recently targeting ships in the Pacific Ocean that resulted in the deaths of 14 alleged traffickers in recent weeks.

While Mexico rescued a survivor from the strike, the President condemned the strikes and ordered representatives from her government to address them with the US ambassador to Mexico.

On Tuesday, Sheinbaum also highlighted that Mexico had reached a security agreement with the United States that was negotiated over an extended period.

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

Sheinbaum's Stance on Security Approach

The national leader has also appeared less enthusiastic on militarised drug combat strategies than her preceding leaders: on the previous day, she ruled out any changes to the country’s security strategy despite the murder of a local official in a Mexican state.

“There are demands for military action and war, as occurred with the anti-drug campaign,” she commented. “It proved ineffective.”