Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly denied reports of a planned U.S. anti-cartel operation on Mexican soil, asserting that no such military intervention has been approved or will take place under her administration.
Speaking during a media briefing in Mexico City on Tuesday, President Sheinbaum emphasized that Mexico’s national security and law enforcement operations remain exclusively under Mexican jurisdiction, dismissing growing rumors of U.S. military involvement in northern states battling organized crime.
“There is no authorization, no plan, and no agreement for any foreign military operation within Mexico. National security is the sole responsibility of our government,” Sheinbaum stated.
The President’s remarks came amid widespread speculation in local and international media suggesting that Washington was preparing to launch a cross-border anti-drug operation targeting cartel networks in Mexico’s border regions. Reports alleged that the United States, frustrated by the rising influence of cartels, had considered deploying special forces in coordination with Mexican authorities — a claim Sheinbaum firmly rejected.
“We reject any narrative that undermines our sovereignty,” she added. “Our government has been clear: Mexico will never allow the presence of foreign troops within its territory.”
The denial comes just weeks after renewed debates in the United States Congress about adopting a more aggressive foreign policy against drug cartels, with some U.S. lawmakers calling for the authorization of military action if Mexico fails to curb narcotics trafficking.
However, Mexico’s government has consistently opposed such proposals, warning that they could violate international law and strain bilateral relations between the two countries.
President Sheinbaum reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to strengthening domestic security forces, improving intelligence-sharing mechanisms, and expanding cross-border cooperation through diplomatic channels rather than military intervention.
“We continue to work closely with the United States in areas of mutual concern such as intelligence sharing, border security, and anti-money laundering. But military operations within Mexican territory are not part of that cooperation,” she said.
U.S. Denies Plans for Military Action
Officials from the U.S. Department of State also clarified that Washington has not proposed any unilateral military deployment in Mexico. Speaking to reporters, a senior State Department spokesperson described the reports as “misleading and speculative.”
“The United States values its partnership with Mexico and respects its sovereignty. Our collaboration focuses on intelligence coordination and law enforcement support — not military intervention,” the official said.
Diplomatic sources told LeadNaija News that both governments are working quietly to de-escalate media tensions and maintain the integrity of the U.S.–Mexico Bicentennial Framework, which guides security cooperation and anti-cartel efforts through non-military channels.
Public Reaction and Domestic Politics
The issue has stirred heated discussions within Mexico’s political landscape. Opposition figures accused the Sheinbaum administration of downplaying the gravity of cartel violence, while supporters commended the President for defending national sovereignty and refusing external interference.
Political analyst Carlos Mendoza told LeadNaija News that Sheinbaum’s firm stance was “strategically necessary” as Mexico seeks to assert its independence amid U.S. political pressure.
“The President’s message reinforces Mexico’s sovereign authority and sends a signal that cooperation with the U.S. must respect established diplomatic frameworks,” Mendoza said.
Meanwhile, security experts note that cartel-related violence remains a pressing challenge, with several northern states experiencing deadly confrontations in recent months. The Sheinbaum administration has pledged to expand community-based policing, enhance intelligence-led operations, and address the socio-economic roots of organized crime.
Background: U.S.–Mexico Security Cooperation
Mexico and the United States share one of the world’s most complex security relationships. Over the years, their collaboration has included joint efforts in combating human trafficking, illegal arms trade, and drug smuggling — but always within a framework of mutual consent.
The Mérida Initiative, launched in 2008, and the current Bicentennial Framework have shaped decades of cooperation between both nations, emphasizing shared responsibility rather than military enforcement.
As both countries prepare for high-level bilateral talks later this month, President Sheinbaum’s categorical rejection of any U.S. military operation underscores a familiar message: Mexico will defend its sovereignty while maintaining constructive engagement with Washington.
“Our doors remain open to dialogue, but our territory will never be open to foreign troops,” she concluded.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
