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Mexico's head of state Sheinbaum has categorically denied reports that the United States is considering to deploy military forces into Mexico to combat dominant drug trafficking organizations, emphasizing that she has repeatedly declined such offers from Donald Trump.

“This will not occur,” Sheinbaum declared during her daily morning news conference on that day. “We are opposed to any form of interventionism or interventionism.”

Background on the Reports

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

This information suggested that although the operation was not imminent and no final decision had been made, the early stages of preparation had commenced along with discussions about the extent of the deployment.

Additionally, the account stated that American forces would operate under the authority of the American spy agencies, and that officers from the CIA would take part as well.

The Nation's Reaction

But the Mexican leader was insistent that her nation had “no information” about such a planned incursion, although she acknowledged that in conversations with Trump, he had proposed to dispatch troops and additional resources to confront criminal groups.

“I’ve always said my gratitude, Mr. Trump. But no, our country is a free, independent and sovereign nation,” Sheinbaum affirmed.

Past Collaboration and Current Strains

Mexico and the US have long collaborated in tackling drug-trafficking groups, with the United States at times sending CIA, military and Drug Enforcement Administration agents 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 unprecedented step that would likely damage an fragile bilateral relationship.

Latest Actions and Agreements

The US government has designated confronting criminal organizations a key element of its international strategy: in February, the US classified multiple drug cartels as terrorist groups.

It has also launched a multiple strikes against alleged drug-trafficking boats, most recently targeting ships in the Pacific Ocean that killed multiple suspects in recent weeks.

Although Mexico saved a survivor from the strike, Sheinbaum criticized the strikes and instructed officials from her administration to discuss them with the US ambassador to the nation.

On that day, she also highlighted that Mexico had reached a security agreement with the US that was discussed over several months.

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

The President's Stance on Anti-Narcotics Approach

The national leader has also seemed less enthusiastic on militarised drug combat strategies than her predecessors: on Monday, she ruled out any modifications to the country’s security strategy despite the murder of a local official in a Mexican state.

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