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Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum has categorically denied allegations that the US government is considering to send military forces into the country to combat powerful cartels, stating that she has consistently declined such offers from Donald Trump.

“It’s not going to happen,” Sheinbaum stated during her regular press briefing on that day. “We are opposed to any process of interventionism or external interference.”

Background on the Reports

The President's comments follow a news story citing current and former US officials that the US government has initiated preparations for a operation to deploy US troops and intelligence officers into the neighboring nation.

The report indicated that although the operation was not imminent and a conclusive choice had been reached, the initial phases of preparation had already begun along with discussions about the scope of the operation.

Additionally, the account mentioned that US troops would function under the authority of the US intelligence community, and that officers from the Central Intelligence Agency would also participate.

Mexico's Response

But the Mexican leader was insistent that her nation had “no information” about such a planned intervention, although she admitted that in phone calls with the US president, he had offered to send military support and additional resources to tackle criminal groups.

“I have repeatedly stated my gratitude, President Trump. But no, our country is a independent, sovereign and autonomous nation,” Sheinbaum affirmed.

Historical Cooperation and Present Strains

Mexico and the US have historically worked together in tackling drug-trafficking groups, with the US at times sending intelligence, military and DEA agents to assist Mexico's efforts to combat organized crime.

But the incursion of American military into the territory to directly confront the drug lords, especially without Mexico's consent, would be an unheard-of move that would almost certainly damage an already tenuous partnership between the two countries.

Recent Actions and Agreements

The Trump administration has made confronting criminal organizations a central pillar of its foreign policy: in last winter, the US classified six Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

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

Although authorities saved a survivor from the strike, Sheinbaum criticized the strikes and instructed officials from her administration to discuss them with the American envoy to the nation.

On that day, Sheinbaum also noted that the country had reached a security agreement with the US that was discussed over several months.

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

The President's Stance on Security Strategy

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 safety approach despite the recent brutal killing of a mayor in a Mexican state.

“Some are calling for militarization and armed conflict, as occurred with the anti-drug campaign,” Sheinbaum commented. “It proved ineffective.”