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Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum has categorically rejected allegations that the US government is planning to deploy troops into Mexico to combat powerful cartels, stating that she has repeatedly declined such proposals from President Trump.

“It’s not going to happen,” the President declared during her regular news conference on Tuesday. “We do not agree to any process of interference or external interference.”

Context on the Allegations

Sheinbaum's comments follow a news story quoting current and former US officials that the US government has initiated preparations for a mission to deploy American military personnel and agents into the neighboring nation.

This information indicated that although the mission was not imminent and a conclusive choice had been made, the early stages of training had commenced along with discussions about the scope of the operation.

Furthermore, the report stated that American forces would function under the jurisdiction of the American spy agencies, and that officers from the CIA would take part as well.

Mexico's Reaction

But the Mexican leader was insistent that her nation had “no information” about such a proposed incursion, although she admitted that in conversations with the US president, he had proposed to send troops and other assistance to confront criminal groups.

“I have repeatedly stated thank you very much, President Trump. But absolutely not, Mexico is a independent, sovereign and sovereign country,” the President declared.

Historical Collaboration and Present Strains

Mexico and the US have long collaborated in tackling drug-trafficking groups, with the United States at times sending intelligence, military and DEA agents to assist Mexico's initiatives to combat organized crime.

But the entry of American military into Mexico to directly confront the cartels, especially without the nation's consent, would be an unheard-of step that would likely fracture an fragile bilateral relationship.

Recent Measures and Agreements

The US government has designated addressing drug-trafficking groups a central pillar of its foreign policy: in last winter, the US designated six Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

Additionally, it has launched a series of attacks against alleged narco vessels, most recently targeting vessels in the Pacific Ocean that killed 14 alleged traffickers in late October.

Although Mexico rescued one of the survivors from the strike, Sheinbaum criticized the strikes and ordered officials from her administration to discuss them with the American envoy to Mexico.

On Tuesday, Sheinbaum also highlighted that Mexico had reached a cooperation pact with the US that was discussed over an extended period.

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

Sheinbaum's Position on Security Strategy

The Mexican president has also appeared less enthusiastic on militarised drug combat strategies than her preceding leaders: on Monday, she ruled out any modifications to the nation's security strategy despite the murder of a mayor in western Mexico.

“There are demands for military action and armed conflict, as occurred with the war on drugs,” she commented. “It proved ineffective.”