Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has categorically ruled out any possibility of a U.S. military presence in her country, following reports that former President Donald Trump issued a directive to target Latin American drug cartels. In a statement made on Friday, Sheinbaum emphasized, "The United States is not going to come to Mexico with the military. We co-operate, we collaborate, but there is not going to be an invasion. That is ruled out, absolutely ruled out."
According to a report from The New York Times, Trump allegedly signed a directive that would allow for military operations against drug cartels internationally. Although the White House did not confirm the specifics of the directive, it maintained that protecting the homeland is a top presidential priority.
During her comments to reporters, Sheinbaum clarified that while the Mexican government had been notified of impending actions regarding the cartels, these plans do not entail military engagement. "It is not part of any agreement, far from it. When it has been brought up, we have always said 'No'," she declared. Earlier this year, she also criticized Trump's labeling of the cartels as terrorist organizations, asserting that it should not facilitate a U.S. invasion of Mexico's sovereignty.
In related developments, Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated the importance of treating drug cartels as armed terrorist groups, a viewpoint echoed by the reported directive that includes the potential for military operations both on land and sea.
Despite rising tensions, Mexico and the U.S. have collaborated in recent months to address the illegal flow of migrants and drugs across the border. Data indicate a historic decrease in border crossings, with U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson recently noting a significant decline in fentanyl seizures, attributing success to collaborative efforts between Sheinbaum and Trump that have allegedly led to financial setbacks for the cartels, contributing to safer conditions in both nations.
According to a report from The New York Times, Trump allegedly signed a directive that would allow for military operations against drug cartels internationally. Although the White House did not confirm the specifics of the directive, it maintained that protecting the homeland is a top presidential priority.
During her comments to reporters, Sheinbaum clarified that while the Mexican government had been notified of impending actions regarding the cartels, these plans do not entail military engagement. "It is not part of any agreement, far from it. When it has been brought up, we have always said 'No'," she declared. Earlier this year, she also criticized Trump's labeling of the cartels as terrorist organizations, asserting that it should not facilitate a U.S. invasion of Mexico's sovereignty.
In related developments, Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated the importance of treating drug cartels as armed terrorist groups, a viewpoint echoed by the reported directive that includes the potential for military operations both on land and sea.
Despite rising tensions, Mexico and the U.S. have collaborated in recent months to address the illegal flow of migrants and drugs across the border. Data indicate a historic decrease in border crossings, with U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson recently noting a significant decline in fentanyl seizures, attributing success to collaborative efforts between Sheinbaum and Trump that have allegedly led to financial setbacks for the cartels, contributing to safer conditions in both nations.
