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Mexico's head of state Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly denied reports that the US government is considering to deploy troops into Mexico to confront dominant cartels, stating that she has consistently declined such offers from Donald Trump.

“This will not occur,” the President stated during her regular news conference on Tuesday. “We do not agree to any form of interference or external interference.”

Background on the Allegations

Sheinbaum's comments follow a news story quoting current and former American authorities that the Trump administration has started planning for a mission to deploy US troops and intelligence officers into Mexico.

This information indicated that although the operation was not immediate and no final decision had been reached, the early stages of training had commenced along with discussions about the extent of the operation.

Furthermore, the account stated that US troops would function under the authority of the American spy agencies, and that officers from the CIA would also participate.

Mexico's Reaction

But Sheinbaum was insistent that her country had “no information” about such a planned incursion, although she acknowledged that in conversations with the US president, he had offered to send military support and other assistance to confront criminal groups.

“I’ve always said my gratitude, Mr. Trump. But no, our country is a independent, sovereign and autonomous country,” the President affirmed.

Past Cooperation and Present Strains

Mexico and the US have long collaborated in addressing drug-trafficking groups, with the US at times dispatching intelligence, military and Drug Enforcement Administration operatives to support Mexico's efforts to fight criminal networks.

But the incursion of American military into Mexico to engage with the cartels, particularly without Mexico's consent, would be an unprecedented step that would likely fracture an fragile bilateral relationship.

Recent Actions and Understandings

The Trump administration has designated confronting criminal organizations a key element of its international strategy: in last winter, Washington classified six Mexican cartels as terrorist groups.

It has also launched a multiple strikes against suspected narco vessels, including striking vessels in the Pacific Ocean that resulted in the deaths of 14 alleged traffickers in late October.

While authorities saved one of the survivors from the attack, the President criticized the actions and instructed officials from her administration to discuss them with the US ambassador to Mexico.

On Tuesday, Sheinbaum also highlighted that Mexico had finalized a security agreement with the United States that was discussed over an extended period.

“We are going to continue working within this framework of understanding, which has very clear principles … which respects our independence and our territoriality.”

Sheinbaum's Position on Anti-Narcotics Approach

The national leader has also appeared less enthusiastic on militarised drug combat strategies than her predecessors: on Monday, she ruled out any changes to the nation's safety approach despite the recent brutal killing of a local official in a Mexican state.

“There are demands for military action and armed conflict, as occurred with the anti-drug campaign,” Sheinbaum commented. “That didn’t work.”