Tense Phone Call Sparks Debate Over U.S.-Mexico Military Cooperation
President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico revealed on Saturday that President Donald Trump proposed sending American troops into Mexico to assist in the fight against drug trafficking. Speaking to supporters in eastern Mexico, Sheinbaum firmly stated that she rejected the idea.
According to Sheinbaum, the proposal came during a tense phone call last month. The conversation, reported by The Wall Street Journal, allegedly involved Trump pressuring her administration to accept greater U.S. military involvement in operations against Mexican drug cartels.
A Firm Rejection in Defense of National Sovereignty
“He said, ‘How can we help you fight drug trafficking? I propose that the United States military come in and help you.’ And you know what I said to him? ‘No, President Trump,’” Sheinbaum told the crowd.
She doubled down on her position, adding: “Sovereignty is not for sale. Sovereignty is loved and defended.”
No Immediate Response from the White House
The White House did not immediately issue a response to Sheinbaum’s public remarks. Her comments, however, are likely to add fuel to ongoing debates about U.S. involvement in foreign drug enforcement, especially in Latin America.
Escalating U.S. Military Presence at the Southern Border
In recent months, the U.S. military has significantly increased its presence along the southern border. Following Trump’s January order, the U.S. Northern Command deployed more troops and equipment, ramped up surveillance operations to track fentanyl trafficking, and sought expanded permissions for U.S. Special Forces to cooperate with Mexican units.
Trump further escalated the issue on February 19 by officially designating many drug cartels operating across the border as foreign terrorist organizations, giving U.S. authorities additional tools to restrict their movements and crack down on their operations.
A Collision Course Between Allies
Despite a history of bilateral cooperation on trade and immigration, Sheinbaum’s remarks signaled a sharp divergence from Trump’s approach to cross-border security. Her refusal to allow U.S. military forces into Mexican territory highlights a broader effort to assert national independence in matters of internal security.
“We can work together, but you in your territory and us in ours,” Sheinbaum stated.
The crowd erupted in applause when she delivered her final, resolute declaration: “We will never accept the presence of the United States military in our territory.”
Keep up with the historic administration of Mexico’s first female president with us on Que Onda Magazine.