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Mexico's head of state Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly denied reports that the US government is considering to deploy troops into Mexico to confront dominant cartels, stating that she has consistently declined such proposals from President Trump.

“This will not occur,” Sheinbaum declared during her regular news conference on Tuesday. “We are opposed to any form of interference or external interference.”

Context on the Reports

The President's remarks come after a news story citing present and past US officials that the Trump administration has started planning for a mission to deploy US troops and intelligence officers into Mexico.

This information suggested that although the mission was not imminent and no final decision had been made, the early stages of training had commenced along with talks 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 CIA would take part as well.

Mexico's Response

But the Mexican leader was adamant that her country had “no information” about such a proposed incursion, even though she admitted that in phone calls with the US president, he had offered to send military support and other assistance to confront criminal groups.

“I have repeatedly stated my gratitude, President Trump. But no, Mexico is a independent, independent and sovereign nation,” Sheinbaum declared.

Historical Collaboration and Current Strains

Mexico and the US have long collaborated in tackling cartels, with the US at times sending CIA, armed forces and Drug Enforcement Administration operatives to assist the country's initiatives to fight criminal networks.

But the incursion of American military into Mexico to directly confront the cartels, particularly without the nation's agreement, would be an unprecedented move that would likely damage an already tenuous partnership between the two countries.

Latest Measures and Agreements

The Trump administration has designated addressing criminal organizations a central pillar of its foreign policy: in February, Washington designated six Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

Additionally, it has initiated a multiple strikes against suspected narco vessels, most recently targeting ships in the Pacific Ocean that killed multiple suspects in late October.

Although Mexico saved one of the survivors from the attack, the President criticized the actions and instructed representatives from her administration to discuss them with the US ambassador to Mexico.

On Tuesday, she also highlighted that Mexico had reached 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 respects our independence and our territoriality.”

Sheinbaum's Stance on Anti-Narcotics Strategy

The national leader has also appeared less enthusiastic on militarised drug combat strategies than her predecessors: on Monday, she dismissed any changes to the nation's safety approach despite the murder of a local official in a Mexican state.

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