Read on Global NewsMexico's President Denies Reports of U.S. Military Action Against Cartels
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly denied reports of potential U.S. military action inside Mexico targeting drug cartels. Following an NBC News report claiming the U.S. had begun planning an anti-cartel mission, Sheinbaum stated such unilateral action 'won't happen' and emphasized Mexico's sovereignty. The president reiterated her government's position against foreign intervention while acknowledging ongoing security coordination between the two nations.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has issued a firm denial regarding reports of potential U.S. military action inside Mexico targeting drug cartels. Her comments come in response to a recent NBC News report that claimed the United States had begun detailed planning for a new anti-cartel mission that could involve sending troops and intelligence officers to Mexico.
President's Strong Stance Against Unilateral Action
During her morning press conference on Tuesday, President Sheinbaum left no room for ambiguity when questioned about the reported U.S. military planning. "It won't happen. We have no reports that it will happen... And besides, we don't agree to it," she stated emphatically. The president's comments reflect Mexico's longstanding position on national sovereignty and non-intervention by foreign powers.
Background of the Controversial Report
The NBC News report that prompted President Sheinbaum's response claimed that the United States had initiated early stages of training and discussions about the scope of a potential mission against Mexican drug cartels. According to the report, U.S. troops would operate under "the authority of the U.S. intelligence community, known as Title 50 status." The information reportedly came from two current U.S. officials and two former senior U.S. officials familiar with the effort, though the report noted that no final decision had been made regarding the mission.
Consistent Position Against Foreign Intervention
This isn't the first time President Sheinbaum has rejected the possibility of unilateral U.S. military action inside Mexico. In April, she similarly stated that Mexico would categorically reject any such measures, warning that they "would not resolve anything" amid threats from the Trump administration to use drone strikes against drug cartels. At that time, she emphasized that "The people of Mexico will not, under any circumstances, accept intervention, interference, or any other act from abroad."
Ongoing Bilateral Security Cooperation
Despite her firm stance against unilateral action, President Sheinbaum acknowledged that the United States and Mexico maintain ongoing dialogue on security issues. She expressed confidence that the U.S. would not pursue such unilateral measures, highlighting the importance of coordination and collaboration between the two nations. "We coordinate, we collaborate, [but] we are not subordinate and there is no meddling in these actions," she stated during her April comments, underscoring Mexico's commitment to partnership without subordination.
Sovereignty and International Relations
The issue of U.S. military action in Mexico touches on fundamental principles of national sovereignty and international law. President Sheinbaum has consistently maintained that Mexico's sovereignty is non-negotiable, stating earlier this year that "There can be no interference or subordination" in Mexico's internal affairs. Both countries share the common goal of reducing drug consumption and trafficking, but differ on the methods and jurisdictional boundaries for achieving these objectives.
The ongoing dialogue between the United States and Mexico continues to navigate these complex issues of sovereignty, security cooperation, and cross-border criminal threats. President Sheinbaum's latest comments reinforce Mexico's position that any security cooperation must respect national sovereignty and operate through established channels of bilateral coordination rather than unilateral action.
