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The nation's President Sheinbaum has firmly denied reports that the US government is considering to deploy military forces into Mexico to combat dominant cartels, stating that she has consistently declined such proposals from Donald Trump.

“It’s not going to happen,” the President declared during her regular news conference on that day. “We do not agree to any form of interference or interventionism.”

Background on the Reports

The President's comments come after a report quoting present and past US officials that the Trump administration has initiated preparations for a operation to send American military personnel and intelligence officers into Mexico.

The report indicated that although the operation was not immediate and no final decision had been reached, the early stages of training had commenced along with discussions about the extent of the deployment.

Furthermore, the account stated that American forces would function under the jurisdiction of the American spy agencies, and that personnel from the CIA would also participate.

The Nation's Reaction

But Sheinbaum was insistent that her country had “no information” about such a proposed intervention, even though she admitted that in conversations with the US president, he had offered to send military support and other assistance to confront criminal groups.

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

Historical Collaboration and Present Tensions

The two nations have long collaborated in addressing cartels, with the United States at times sending intelligence, military and Drug Enforcement Administration operatives to support Mexico's initiatives to combat criminal networks.

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

Latest Measures and Understandings

The US government has designated addressing drug-trafficking groups a key element of its foreign policy: in February, the US classified multiple drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

It has also initiated a multiple strikes against suspected drug-trafficking boats, most recently striking ships in the Pacific Ocean that resulted in the deaths of 14 alleged traffickers in late October.

Although authorities rescued a survivor from the strike, Sheinbaum condemned the actions and instructed officials from her administration to discuss them with the US ambassador to the nation.

On Tuesday, Sheinbaum also noted that Mexico had finalized 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 defined guidelines … which respects our sovereignty and our territorial integrity.”

The President's Position on Anti-Narcotics Approach

The Mexican president 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 security strategy despite the murder of a mayor in western Mexico.

“Some are calling for militarization and war, as happened with the war on drugs,” Sheinbaum commented. “That didn’t work.”