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Mexico's head of state Claudia Sheinbaum has categorically rejected allegations that the United States is planning to send military forces into the country to combat dominant drug trafficking organizations, stating that she has repeatedly declined such offers from Donald Trump.

“This will not occur,” the President declared during her regular news conference on that day. “We do not agree to any form of interference or interventionism.”

Background on the Reports

Sheinbaum's comments follow a report quoting present and past US officials that the Trump administration has started planning for a operation to deploy US troops and agents into Mexico.

The report indicated that although the mission was not imminent and no final decision had been made, the early stages of training had already begun along with talks about the extent of the deployment.

Additionally, the account mentioned that US troops would operate under the authority of the US intelligence community, and that officers from the Central Intelligence Agency would also participate.

The Nation's Response

But Sheinbaum was insistent that her nation had “lack of details” about such a planned incursion, although she acknowledged that in conversations with the US president, he had offered to dispatch military support and other assistance to confront criminal groups.

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

Historical Collaboration and Current Tensions

The two nations have historically worked together in addressing drug-trafficking groups, with the US at times sending CIA, military and Drug Enforcement Administration agents to assist the country's efforts to combat criminal networks.

But the incursion of American military into the territory to directly confront the cartels, especially without the nation's consent, would be an unheard-of step that would likely damage an already tenuous partnership between the two countries.

Latest Actions and Understandings

The US government has designated confronting criminal organizations a key element of its foreign policy: in last winter, Washington designated six Mexican cartels as terrorist groups.

Additionally, it has launched a series of attacks against suspected narco vessels, most recently targeting vessels in the eastern Pacific that killed multiple suspects in recent weeks.

Although Mexico saved one of the survivors from the attack, Sheinbaum condemned the strikes and ordered officials from her government to address them with the US ambassador to the nation.

On that day, she also highlighted that the country had finalized a security agreement 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 respects our sovereignty and our territoriality.”

Sheinbaum's Stance on Security Approach

The national leader has also appeared less enthusiastic on military-focused anti-narcotics tactics than her predecessors: on Monday, she ruled out any changes to the country’s security strategy despite the recent brutal killing of a mayor in a Mexican state.

“There are demands for military action and war, as happened with the anti-drug campaign,” Sheinbaum said. “It proved ineffective.”