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Mexico's President Sheinbaum has categorically denied reports that the US government is considering to deploy military forces into Mexico to combat dominant drug trafficking organizations, stating that she has repeatedly refused such offers from Donald Trump.

“It’s not going to happen,” Sheinbaum declared during her daily morning news conference on Tuesday. “We do not agree to any process of interference or external interference.”

Context on the Reports

The President's comments follow a news story citing present and past American authorities that the Trump administration has initiated preparations for a mission to send American military personnel and intelligence officers into the neighboring nation.

The report indicated that although the mission was not immediate and a conclusive choice had been made, the initial phases of preparation had commenced along with discussions about the scope of the operation.

Additionally, the report stated that American forces would operate under the jurisdiction of the US intelligence community, and that personnel from the CIA would also participate.

The Nation's Response

But the Mexican leader was adamant that her nation had “no information” about such a planned incursion, even though she admitted that in phone calls with Trump, he had proposed to send troops and additional resources to tackle criminal groups.

“I’ve always said thank you very much, Mr. Trump. But absolutely not, Mexico is a independent, sovereign and autonomous country,” Sheinbaum declared.

Past Collaboration and Present Strains

The two nations have historically worked together in tackling cartels, with the United States at times dispatching intelligence, armed forces and DEA agents to assist Mexico's efforts to combat organized crime.

But the incursion of US troops into Mexico to directly confront the drug lords, particularly without Mexico's consent, would be an unprecedented step that would likely fracture an fragile bilateral relationship.

Latest Measures and Agreements

The Trump administration has made addressing criminal organizations a key element of its international strategy: in February, Washington classified multiple drug cartels as terrorist groups.

It has also launched a multiple strikes against alleged narco vessels, most recently targeting ships in the Pacific Ocean that killed 14 alleged traffickers in late October.

While Mexico rescued one of the survivors from the attack, the President criticized the actions and instructed representatives from her government to discuss them with the US ambassador to the nation.

On that day, Sheinbaum also highlighted that the country had reached a cooperation pact with the United States that was discussed over an extended period.

“We are going to continue working within this framework of understanding, which has very clear principles … which respects our sovereignty and our territoriality.”

Sheinbaum's Stance on Anti-Narcotics Approach

The national leader has also seemed cooler on military-focused drug combat strategies than her predecessors: on the previous day, she ruled out any changes to the nation's security strategy despite the murder of a local official in western Mexico.

“Some are calling for military action and war, as happened with the anti-drug campaign,” she said. “It proved ineffective.”