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Mexico's head of state Sheinbaum has firmly rejected allegations that the US government is considering to send military forces into Mexico to combat powerful drug trafficking organizations, emphasizing that she has consistently refused such proposals from Donald Trump.

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

Background on the Allegations

Sheinbaum's comments come after a news story quoting current and former American authorities that the US government has started planning for a operation to deploy US troops and intelligence officers into Mexico.

The report suggested that although the operation was not imminent and no final decision had been made, the initial phases of training had commenced along with discussions about the scope of the deployment.

Additionally, the report mentioned that US troops would operate under the jurisdiction of the US intelligence community, and that officers from the CIA would also participate.

Mexico's Response

But Sheinbaum was adamant that her country had “lack of details” about such a proposed intervention, although she acknowledged that in conversations with the US president, he had offered to dispatch troops and other assistance to confront organized crime.

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

Past Collaboration and Present Tensions

Mexico and the US have historically worked together in addressing cartels, with the US at times dispatching intelligence, military and DEA operatives to support the country's initiatives to fight organized crime.

But the entry of US troops into Mexico to engage with the drug lords, especially without the nation's agreement, would be an unheard-of move that would likely damage an already tenuous partnership between the two countries.

Recent Actions and Understandings

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

Additionally, it has initiated a multiple strikes against alleged narco vessels, including striking ships in the Pacific Ocean that resulted in the deaths of 14 alleged traffickers in recent weeks.

While authorities rescued one of the survivors from the strike, the President criticized the strikes and ordered officials from her administration to discuss 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 several months.

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

The President's Position on Security Strategy

The Mexican president has also appeared cooler on militarised drug combat strategies than her preceding leaders: on Monday, she dismissed any modifications to the country’s safety approach despite the murder of a mayor in a Mexican state.

“Some are calling for militarization and armed conflict, as occurred with the war on drugs,” Sheinbaum said. “That didn’t work.”