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Mexico's President Sheinbaum has firmly denied allegations that the United States is planning to send troops into Mexico to combat dominant drug trafficking organizations, stating that she has repeatedly refused such offers from President Trump.

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

Background on the Reports

The President's remarks follow a report citing current and former US officials that the Trump administration has started planning for a mission to send US troops and agents into the neighboring nation.

This information indicated that although the mission was not immediate and a conclusive choice had been reached, the early stages of preparation had commenced along with discussions about the scope of the deployment.

Furthermore, the report stated that US troops would operate under the jurisdiction of the US intelligence community, and that officers from the CIA would take part as well.

The Nation's Response

But the Mexican leader was insistent that her country had “lack of details” about such a proposed intervention, even though she acknowledged that in conversations with the US president, he had offered to dispatch troops and other assistance to tackle criminal groups.

“I have repeatedly stated my gratitude, Mr. Trump. But absolutely not, Mexico is a free, sovereign and sovereign country,” the President affirmed.

Past Collaboration and Current Tensions

The two nations have long collaborated in tackling drug-trafficking groups, with the US at times sending CIA, armed forces and Drug Enforcement Administration operatives to support Mexico's efforts to combat criminal networks.

But the incursion of US troops into Mexico to engage with the cartels, especially without the nation's consent, would be an unprecedented step that would likely damage an already tenuous bilateral relationship.

Latest Measures and Understandings

The US government has made confronting criminal organizations a central pillar of its international strategy: in February, the US classified multiple drug cartels as terrorist groups.

It has also launched a series of attacks against suspected narco vessels, most recently striking vessels in the Pacific Ocean that killed 14 alleged traffickers in recent weeks.

Although authorities saved a survivor from the attack, Sheinbaum condemned the strikes and instructed representatives from her administration to address them with the American envoy to the nation.

On that day, Sheinbaum also noted that Mexico had finalized a security agreement with the United States that was discussed over an extended period.

“We are going to continue working within this framework of understanding, which has defined guidelines … which honors our sovereignty and our territoriality.”

The President's Stance on Anti-Narcotics Approach

The national leader has also seemed cooler on militarised anti-narcotics tactics than her preceding leaders: on Monday, she ruled out any modifications to the nation's safety approach despite the recent brutal killing of a local official in western Mexico.

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