Mexico Dismisses US Military Action Against Drug Cartels

Recent reports have surfaced about former President Trump's directive to use military force against drug cartels in Mexico, which President Claudia Sheinbaum has unequivocally rejected.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has made it clear that the U.S. military will not be entering her country following allegations that former President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to target drug cartels in Latin America. On Friday, Sheinbaum stated, "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."

The New York Times reported that Trump had secretly signed a directive allowing military operations abroad against certain individuals, which includes cartels designated as terrorist entities. Although Sheinbaum was informed about the forthcoming directive, she emphasized that it does not involve any military personnel. "It is not part of any agreement, far from it. When it has been brought up, we have always said 'No'," she reiterated.

Earlier this year, Trump formally designated eight cartels as terrorist organizations, six of which are Mexican. In response to this designation, some U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, suggested that it could enhance operations against these cartels using intelligence and military resources. Rubio stated, "We have to start treating them as armed terrorist organizations, not simply drug dealing organizations.”

While reports indicate a potential shift in U.S. military policy, recent months have seen a collaborative effort between the U.S. and Mexico to control the illegal flows of drugs and migrants at the border, with recent data indicating a significant decrease in illegal border crossings and fentanyl seizures. Moreover, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson praised the partnership between Sheinbaum and Trump, claiming their efforts are contributing positively toward combatting cartel influence.

The conversation surrounding U.S. intervention remains contentious, with President Sheinbaum firmly stating that the sovereignty of Mexico will not be compromised by military action.