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The nation's President Claudia Sheinbaum has categorically rejected reports that the United States is planning to send military forces into the country to combat powerful drug trafficking organizations, stating that she has repeatedly declined such proposals from Donald Trump.

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

Background on the Allegations

The President's comments come after a report citing current and former US officials that the US government has initiated preparations for a mission to send American military personnel and intelligence officers into the neighboring nation.

The report suggested that although the mission was not imminent and a conclusive choice had been made, the initial phases of preparation had commenced along with discussions about the extent of the operation.

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

The Nation's Reaction

But Sheinbaum was insistent that her nation had “lack of details” about such a proposed incursion, although she acknowledged that in conversations with Trump, he had proposed to send military support and other assistance to tackle criminal groups.

“I’ve always said my gratitude, Mr. Trump. But no, our country is a free, sovereign and sovereign nation,” the President declared.

Past Collaboration and Current Tensions

Mexico and the US have long collaborated in addressing drug-trafficking groups, with the US at times dispatching CIA, military and DEA operatives to assist Mexico's initiatives to fight criminal networks.

But the entry of American military into Mexico to directly confront the cartels, particularly without Mexico's consent, would be an unheard-of step that would almost certainly damage an fragile bilateral relationship.

Recent Measures and Agreements

The Trump administration has made confronting criminal organizations a central pillar of its foreign policy: in last winter, the US designated multiple drug cartels as terrorist groups.

It has also initiated a series of attacks against suspected narco vessels, including striking vessels in the Pacific Ocean that resulted in the deaths of multiple suspects in recent weeks.

While authorities saved one of the survivors from the strike, Sheinbaum criticized the actions and ordered representatives from her administration to address them with the US ambassador to the nation.

On Tuesday, she also highlighted that the country had finalized a cooperation pact with the United States that was negotiated over an extended period.

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

Sheinbaum's Stance on Security Approach

The Mexican president has also seemed less enthusiastic on militarised drug combat strategies than her predecessors: on the previous day, she ruled out any modifications to the nation's safety approach despite the murder of a mayor in a Mexican state.

“There are demands for militarization and war, as occurred with the war on drugs,” she commented. “That didn’t work.”