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The nation's President Sheinbaum has firmly denied allegations that the US government is planning to send troops into Mexico to confront dominant drug trafficking organizations, stating that she has consistently refused such offers from Donald Trump.

“This will not occur,” the President declared during her daily morning news conference on Tuesday. “We are opposed to any process of interference or interventionism.”

Background on the Reports

The President's comments come after a news story citing present and past US officials that the US government has initiated preparations for a operation to send American military personnel and agents into the neighboring nation.

The report indicated that although the operation was not imminent and a conclusive choice had been reached, the initial phases of training had commenced along with talks about the extent of the operation.

Furthermore, the account stated that American forces would function under the jurisdiction of the American spy agencies, and that personnel from the Central Intelligence Agency would also participate.

Mexico's Reaction

But the Mexican leader was adamant that her nation had “no information” about such a proposed intervention, even though she admitted that in conversations with Trump, he had offered to send troops and additional resources to tackle criminal groups.

“I’ve always said thank you very much, President Trump. But no, Mexico is a free, independent and autonomous country,” Sheinbaum affirmed.

Past Collaboration and Current Strains

The two nations have historically worked together in tackling drug-trafficking groups, with the US at times dispatching intelligence, armed forces and DEA agents to assist Mexico's efforts to combat organized crime.

But the entry of US troops into Mexico to directly confront the drug lords, particularly without Mexico's agreement, would be an unprecedented step that would almost certainly damage an fragile bilateral relationship.

Recent Measures and Agreements

The US government has made addressing criminal organizations a key element of its foreign policy: in last winter, the US designated multiple drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

It has also initiated a multiple strikes against alleged narco vessels, including striking ships in the Pacific Ocean that killed multiple suspects in late October.

Although Mexico rescued a survivor from the strike, Sheinbaum condemned the strikes and instructed officials from her administration to discuss them with the US ambassador to the nation.

On Tuesday, she also noted that Mexico had reached a cooperation pact with the US that was negotiated over an extended period.

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

The President's Position on Anti-Narcotics Approach

The Mexican president has also appeared cooler on military-focused drug combat strategies than her predecessors: on Monday, she ruled out any modifications to the country’s security strategy despite the recent brutal killing of a local official in western Mexico.

“There are demands for militarization and war, as occurred with the anti-drug campaign,” she commented. “It proved ineffective.”