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

“This will not occur,” the President stated during her daily morning press briefing on Tuesday. “We do not agree to any process of interference or interventionism.”

Background on the Reports

The President's remarks come after a report quoting present and past US officials that the US government has started planning for a mission to deploy US troops and agents into the neighboring nation.

This information indicated that although the mission was not immediate and no final decision had been made, the early stages of training had commenced along with discussions about the extent of the deployment.

Furthermore, the account mentioned that American forces would operate under the jurisdiction of the American spy agencies, and that personnel from the Central Intelligence Agency would take part as well.

The Nation's Reaction

But Sheinbaum was adamant that her country had “no information” about such a planned incursion, even though she acknowledged 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, sovereign and autonomous nation,” the President declared.

Historical Cooperation and Present Tensions

The two nations have historically worked together in tackling drug-trafficking groups, with the United States at times sending intelligence, armed forces and DEA agents to support Mexico's initiatives to combat criminal networks.

But the entry of US troops into the territory to directly confront the cartels, particularly without the nation's agreement, would be an unheard-of move that would likely damage an already tenuous partnership between the two countries.

Latest Actions and Understandings

The Trump administration has made confronting drug-trafficking groups a central pillar of its international strategy: in February, the US classified six Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

It has also initiated a multiple strikes against alleged narco vessels, including striking ships in the Pacific Ocean that killed 14 alleged traffickers in recent weeks.

Although Mexico rescued one of the survivors from the attack, Sheinbaum criticized the strikes and instructed officials from her administration to address them with the US ambassador to Mexico.

On Tuesday, Sheinbaum also noted that the country 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 defined guidelines … which honors our sovereignty and our territoriality.”

Sheinbaum's Stance on Security Approach

The national leader has also seemed less enthusiastic on militarised drug combat strategies than her predecessors: on Monday, she ruled out any modifications to the country’s safety approach despite the recent brutal killing of a mayor in a Mexican state.

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