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The nation's head of state Sheinbaum has firmly rejected reports that the United States is considering to deploy troops into the country to combat powerful cartels, stating that she has consistently refused such proposals from Donald Trump.

“This will not occur,” the President stated during her daily morning news conference on Tuesday. “We are opposed to any process of interventionism or external interference.”

Background on the Reports

Sheinbaum's comments follow a report citing current and former American authorities that the Trump administration has initiated preparations for a mission to send American military personnel and agents into the neighboring nation.

This information indicated that although the mission was not immediate and no final decision had been reached, the early stages of preparation had commenced along with discussions about the scope of the operation.

Additionally, the report mentioned that US troops would operate under the jurisdiction of the US intelligence community, and that officers from the CIA would also participate.

The Nation's Response

But the Mexican leader was adamant that her nation had “lack of details” about such a planned incursion, although she admitted that in phone calls with the US president, he had offered to send military support and additional resources to tackle organized crime.

“I’ve always said thank you very much, Mr. Trump. But absolutely not, our country is a independent, sovereign and autonomous country,” the President affirmed.

Historical Cooperation and Current Tensions

Mexico and the US have long collaborated in addressing drug-trafficking groups, with the US at times sending intelligence, military and DEA operatives to support the country's efforts to fight criminal networks.

But the entry of American military into Mexico to engage with the drug lords, especially without Mexico's consent, would be an unprecedented step that would almost certainly damage an fragile partnership between the two countries.

Recent Actions and Understandings

The Trump administration has made addressing drug-trafficking groups a key element of its foreign policy: in February, the US designated six Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

Additionally, it has launched a multiple strikes against suspected drug-trafficking boats, including targeting ships in the eastern Pacific that killed 14 alleged traffickers in late October.

Although Mexico saved one of the survivors from the attack, the President criticized the strikes and instructed representatives from her government 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 negotiated over several months.

“We will proceed within this cooperative structure, which has very clear principles … which honors our independence and our territoriality.”

The President's Position on Security Strategy

The national leader has also appeared less enthusiastic on military-focused anti-narcotics tactics than her preceding leaders: on Monday, she ruled out any changes to the country’s security strategy despite the recent brutal killing of a mayor in western Mexico.

“Some are calling for militarization and armed conflict, as occurred with the anti-drug campaign,” she commented. “That didn’t work.”