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Mexico's President Sheinbaum has categorically denied reports that the US government is considering to deploy military forces into the country to combat powerful drug trafficking organizations, stating that she has consistently refused such offers from Donald Trump.

“This will not occur,” Sheinbaum stated during her regular press briefing on that day. “We do not agree to any form of interventionism or external interference.”

Background on the Reports

Sheinbaum's comments follow a news story citing current and former American authorities that the US government has started planning for a mission to deploy American military personnel and agents into Mexico.

This information suggested that although the operation was not immediate and no final decision had been made, the initial phases of preparation had already begun along with talks about the extent of the deployment.

Furthermore, the account stated that US troops would operate under the authority of the American spy agencies, and that personnel from the CIA would also participate.

The Nation's Reaction

But the Mexican leader was adamant that her country had “no information” about such a proposed incursion, although she acknowledged that in phone calls with the US president, he had proposed to dispatch troops and other assistance to confront criminal groups.

“I have repeatedly stated my gratitude, Mr. Trump. But absolutely not, Mexico is a free, sovereign and autonomous country,” the President declared.

Historical Cooperation and Current Strains

The two nations have long collaborated in tackling drug-trafficking groups, with the United States at times dispatching CIA, military and Drug Enforcement Administration operatives to support the country's initiatives to combat criminal networks.

But the entry of US troops into Mexico to engage with the cartels, particularly without the nation's agreement, would be an unprecedented step that would almost certainly fracture an fragile bilateral relationship.

Recent Actions and Understandings

The Trump administration has made addressing drug-trafficking groups a key element of its international strategy: in last winter, Washington classified multiple drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

Additionally, it has launched a series of attacks against alleged drug-trafficking boats, most recently targeting ships in the Pacific Ocean that resulted in the deaths of multiple suspects in late October.

While authorities saved a survivor from the attack, Sheinbaum condemned the actions and ordered officials from her government to discuss them with the American envoy to the nation.

On Tuesday, she also noted that the country had reached a cooperation pact with the US that was negotiated over several months.

“We are going to continue working within this cooperative structure, which has very clear principles … which honors our independence and our territoriality.”

Sheinbaum's Position on Anti-Narcotics Strategy

The national leader has also seemed less enthusiastic on militarised anti-narcotics tactics than her preceding leaders: on Monday, she dismissed any modifications to the country’s security strategy despite the murder of a local official in western Mexico.

“Some are calling for military action and armed conflict, as happened with the war on drugs,” she commented. “It proved ineffective.”