President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected US military strikes in Mexico. She stated this following remarks by US President Donald Trump about potentially targeting drug cartels with strikes. “Not going to happen,” Sheinbaum said bluntly at a news conference on Tuesday. She emphasised that while Mexico is open to intelligence sharing, foreign troops will never operate on its soil. “We operate in our territory, we do not accept intervention from any foreign government,” she added.
Background of US-Mexico Tensions
Trump has repeatedly raised the idea of military action in Mexico since starting his second term in January. Early in his term, he labelled Mexican drug cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. He has also claimed that the Mexican government is overwhelmed by criminal networks. Trump recently stated, “It’s OK with me,” when asked whether he would consider authorising strikes inside Mexico. He has also suggested Sheinbaum is “afraid” of the cartels and hinted at covert or military operations.
Communication and Cooperation With Washington
Despite tensions, Sheinbaum said communication with the US remains positive. She noted that the Trump administration has only offered military assistance, which Mexico has not accepted. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio similarly stressed that Washington would not act unilaterally. Any cooperation would occur strictly under Mexico’s approval. Sheinbaum reiterated that Mexico would never grant permission for foreign troops to operate inside its borders.
Historical Context and Strong Rejection
Sheinbaum reminded reporters of the historical consequences of US intervention. “The last time the United States came to Mexico with an intervention, they took half of the territory,” she said. Her comments underline Mexico’s firm stance on sovereignty. Analysts say the remarks send a clear signal that Washington’s military threats will not influence Mexico’s internal security policies. The president also reaffirmed Mexico’s preference for collaboration over coercion in addressing cross-border criminal activity.
