President Claudia Sheinbaum firmly dismissed reports suggesting that the United States was planning unilateral military operations against drug cartels on Mexican soil, calling the idea “unacceptable” and not approved by her administration.
“It won’t happen. We have no reports that it will happen… and besides, we don’t agree to it,” Sheinbaum said during her daily press conference, responding to an NBC News report detailing alleged U.S. discussions about potential anti-cartel military action in Mexico. The report cited unnamed U.S. officials and described the operation as still “undecided,” with no date set.
Sheinbaum reiterated her longstanding opposition to foreign military intervention, describing it as an affront to Mexico’s sovereignty. “The people of Mexico will not, under any circumstances, accept intervention, interference, or any act from abroad,” she said, emphasizing that national security efforts must be conducted “with collaboration and coordination, never subordination or intervention.”
The president added that Mexico was not consulted on recent U.S. moves to classify certain Mexican criminal groups as foreign terrorist organizations, warning that such labels could be used to justify external interference. “There can be no interference or subordination,” she insisted. “We must be clear: we don’t negotiate our sovereignty.”
Declassified sources indicate that over the past 25 years, the U.S. has not carried out any large-scale military operations in Mexico, though intelligence and counter-narcotics collaboration between the two countries has been frequent. Programs such as the Mérida Initiative have facilitated joint efforts involving the DEA and CIA, including intelligence sharing, surveillance, and logistical support aimed at high-profile drug leaders.
While most cooperation has occurred with Mexico’s consent, small-scale unauthorized incursions have occasionally sparked diplomatic friction. U.S. operations targeting drug boats linked to Venezuela have not directly involved Mexico or violated its territory, though analysts warn that escalating regional tensions could blur jurisdictional lines.
Security experts in Mexico caution that even limited foreign involvement could set a dangerous precedent. As Sheinbaum emphasized, any escalation of U.S. military activity near Mexico’s borders would be seen as a serious breach of sovereignty and a potential shift in bilateral relations.