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Mexico's head of state Claudia Sheinbaum has categorically denied reports that the United States is considering to send troops into Mexico to confront dominant drug trafficking organizations, stating that she has repeatedly refused such offers from Donald Trump.

“It’s not going to happen,” Sheinbaum stated during her regular press briefing on that day. “We do not agree to any process of interference or external interference.”

Background on the Reports

The President's comments follow a report quoting current and former American authorities that the US government has started planning for a operation to send American military personnel and intelligence officers into the neighboring nation.

This information suggested that although the mission was not imminent and no final decision had been made, the initial phases of training had commenced along with discussions about the extent of the operation.

Additionally, the account mentioned that American forces would function under the authority of the American spy agencies, and that officers from the Central Intelligence Agency would also participate.

The Nation's Response

But the Mexican leader was insistent that her country had “no information” about such a proposed incursion, although she acknowledged that in phone calls with the US president, he had proposed to send military support and additional resources to confront organized crime.

“I have repeatedly stated thank you very much, President Trump. But no, our country is a free, sovereign and sovereign nation,” Sheinbaum declared.

Historical Cooperation and Current Tensions

The two nations have long collaborated in addressing cartels, with the United States at times sending CIA, armed forces and Drug Enforcement Administration operatives to assist Mexico's initiatives to fight criminal networks.

But the incursion of American military into Mexico to engage with the drug lords, particularly without the nation's consent, would be an unheard-of move that would almost certainly damage an fragile partnership between the two countries.

Latest Actions and Agreements

The Trump administration has designated addressing criminal organizations a central pillar of its international strategy: in last winter, the US classified six Mexican cartels as terrorist groups.

Additionally, it has launched a multiple strikes against alleged narco vessels, including striking ships in the eastern Pacific that killed 14 alleged traffickers in recent weeks.

Although Mexico saved a survivor from the attack, Sheinbaum criticized the actions and instructed representatives from her administration to address them with the American envoy to the nation.

On that day, she also highlighted that Mexico had reached a security agreement with the US that was negotiated over an extended period.

“We will proceed within this cooperative structure, which has very clear principles … which respects our independence and our territorial integrity.”

Sheinbaum's Stance on Anti-Narcotics Strategy

The national leader has also seemed less enthusiastic on military-focused anti-narcotics tactics than her preceding leaders: on the previous day, she ruled out any modifications to the nation's safety approach despite the recent brutal killing of a local official in a Mexican state.

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