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The nation's head of state Claudia Sheinbaum has categorically rejected reports that the US government is planning to send military forces into Mexico to confront powerful cartels, emphasizing that she has repeatedly refused such offers from President Trump.

“It’s not going to happen,” the President declared during her regular press briefing on that day. “We are opposed to any form of interventionism or external interference.”

Background on the Reports

Sheinbaum's comments come after a news story citing current and former American authorities that the US government has initiated preparations for a mission to deploy American military personnel and agents into Mexico.

The report suggested that although the operation was not imminent and no final decision had been made, the initial phases of training had already begun along with talks about the extent of the operation.

Furthermore, the report mentioned that US troops would operate under the authority of the American spy agencies, and that officers from the Central Intelligence Agency would also participate.

Mexico's Response

But the Mexican leader was insistent that her country had “lack of details” about such a planned intervention, even though she admitted that in phone calls with Trump, he had proposed to send military support and other assistance to tackle criminal groups.

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

Historical Cooperation and Present Strains

Mexico and the US have historically worked together in tackling drug-trafficking groups, with the US at times dispatching intelligence, armed forces and DEA agents to assist the country's initiatives to fight organized crime.

But the incursion of American military into Mexico to directly confront the drug lords, especially without the nation's agreement, would be an unheard-of step that would likely fracture an fragile bilateral relationship.

Latest Actions and Agreements

The US government has designated addressing criminal organizations a central pillar of its foreign policy: in last winter, the US classified multiple drug cartels as terrorist groups.

It has also launched a multiple strikes against suspected drug-trafficking boats, including striking ships in the eastern Pacific that resulted in the deaths of multiple suspects in late October.

While Mexico saved a survivor from the strike, Sheinbaum condemned the actions and instructed officials from her administration to discuss them with the US ambassador to Mexico.

On Tuesday, Sheinbaum also noted that Mexico had finalized a security agreement with the United States that was discussed 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 Mexican president has also seemed cooler on military-focused drug combat strategies than her predecessors: on the previous day, she dismissed any modifications to the country’s security strategy despite the recent brutal killing of a mayor in western Mexico.

“There are demands for military action and armed conflict, as occurred with the war on drugs,” Sheinbaum said. “It proved ineffective.”