In a strong rebuttal to recent claims of US military intervention, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum declared that the military presence of the United States within Mexican borders is out of the question. This declaration comes in the aftermath of reports suggesting that former President Donald Trump had authorized the Pentagon to take military action against drug cartels operating in Latin America.
Mexico Firmly Denies US Military Action Against Drug Cartels
Mexico Firmly Denies US Military Action Against Drug Cartels
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum asserts that an invasion by US troops is not an option amid reports of Trump's military plans.
Following leaks concerning Trump’s intentions, Sheinbaum emphasized in a press conference that any military engagement is "absolutely ruled out." The reports cited a directive that Trump allegedly signed to enable military actions, which seemed to follow an earlier executive order where eight drug cartels, including six based in Mexico, were designated as terrorist organizations.
The White House remained reticent regarding the specific directive, focusing instead on Trump’s overarching obligation to defend the United States. Sheinbaum, addressing these developments, clarified that the Mexican administration had been forewarned about possible US measures against drug trafficking while firmly rejecting any notion of military participation.
She stated, “It is not part of any agreement, far from it. When it has been brought up, we have always said 'No'.” This aligns with her previous assertions that categorizing drug cartels as terrorists shouldn't serve as a pretext for military action infringing upon Mexico’s sovereignty.
The discussion gained relevance as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested that labeling cartels in such a manner would facilitate more effective targeting by American intelligence and military agencies. Rubio contended that drug cartels should be perceived as armed terrorist entities rather than mere drug traffickers.
Despite the rising tensions, recent collaborative efforts between Mexico and the US have reportedly yielded results in curbing unauthorized migration and smuggling at the US-Mexico border. The US Ambassador to Mexico, Ronald Johnson, remarked on the successful partnership under Sheinbaum’s leadership, asserting that their joint efforts have significantly disrupted cartel activities and enhanced safety in both nations.
The White House remained reticent regarding the specific directive, focusing instead on Trump’s overarching obligation to defend the United States. Sheinbaum, addressing these developments, clarified that the Mexican administration had been forewarned about possible US measures against drug trafficking while firmly rejecting any notion of military participation.
She stated, “It is not part of any agreement, far from it. When it has been brought up, we have always said 'No'.” This aligns with her previous assertions that categorizing drug cartels as terrorists shouldn't serve as a pretext for military action infringing upon Mexico’s sovereignty.
The discussion gained relevance as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested that labeling cartels in such a manner would facilitate more effective targeting by American intelligence and military agencies. Rubio contended that drug cartels should be perceived as armed terrorist entities rather than mere drug traffickers.
Despite the rising tensions, recent collaborative efforts between Mexico and the US have reportedly yielded results in curbing unauthorized migration and smuggling at the US-Mexico border. The US Ambassador to Mexico, Ronald Johnson, remarked on the successful partnership under Sheinbaum’s leadership, asserting that their joint efforts have significantly disrupted cartel activities and enhanced safety in both nations.
