Claudia Sheinbaum and Donald Trump are at odds over the possibility of U.S. military involvement in Mexico’s fight against drug cartels. During a recent press conference, Sheinbaum firmly rejected the idea of allowing U.S. troops to operate on Mexican soil, emphasizing the country’s sovereignty.
Mexico Rejects U.S. Troop Deployment
Speaking from Mexico City, Sheinbaum said Mexico will continue cooperating with the United States on security issues but insisted that only Mexican forces will carry out operations inside the country.
“It’s good that President Trump says publicly that when he proposed for the U.S. army to come into Mexico we said no,” Sheinbaum said. “Because that’s the truth. We said no and we proudly continue saying no.”
The statement underscores Mexico’s longstanding position that foreign troops will not be permitted to conduct military operations within its borders.
Trump Signals Possible Action Against Cartels
Trump recently raised the issue while speaking to regional leaders during the Shield of the Americas Summit. During the meeting, he described Mexico as the “epicenter” of cartel violence in the Western Hemisphere.
“The Mexican cartels are fueling and orchestrating much of the bloodshed and chaos in this hemisphere,” Trump said, adding that the United States “will do whatever is necessary to defend our national security.”
Sheinbaum did not attend the summit.
U.S. Push for Stronger Regional Strategy
At the summit, Trump also signed a proclamation calling for the destruction of criminal cartels and foreign terrorist organizations across the region. The document urges the United States and its allies to coordinate efforts to cut off cartel territory, financing, and operational resources.
The proposal also calls for training and mobilizing partner nation militaries to strengthen the fight against organized crime networks.
Cooperation Continues Despite Tensions
Despite the disagreement over troop deployment, Mexico and the United States continue to cooperate on security matters, particularly in combating powerful groups such as the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación, long led by Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes.
However, Sheinbaum made it clear that while coordination will continue, Mexico intends to maintain full control over military operations within its territory.
For more on U.S.-Mexico affairs, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.