- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected Donald Trump’s proposal to deploy U.S. troops in Mexico to combat drug cartels, calling Mexican sovereignty "sacrosanct" and "not for sale."
- Trump accused Sheinbaum of being "so afraid of the cartels she can’t even think straight," escalating tensions over border security and drug trafficking.
- During a tense phone call, Trump suggested sending the U.S. Army to help fight cartels, but Sheinbaum firmly refused, emphasizing Mexico’s opposition to foreign military intervention.
- Despite cooperation on limited security measures, reports suggest the U.S. may consider unilateral drone strikes in Mexico, risking further diplomatic strain.
- The dispute threatens recent agreements, including Mexico’s troop deployment to curb trafficking, as Sheinbaum insists on respecting territorial sovereignty while addressing the cartel crisis.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has publicly rejected an offer from President Donald Trump to deploy American troops on Mexican soil to combat drug cartels. The proposal, which was made during a tense phone call last month, was swiftly dismissed by Sheinbaum, who declared Mexico’s sovereignty "sacrosanct" and "not for sale." Trump, meanwhile, has accused the Mexican leader of being "so afraid of the cartels she can’t even think straight," escalating tensions between the two nations over border security and drug trafficking.
A controversial proposal
The clash began when Trump, during an April 16 call with Sheinbaum, suggested sending U.S. military forces into Mexico to assist in the fight against drug cartels. According to Sheinbaum, Trump said, "How can we help you fight drug trafficking? I propose that the U.S. Army come in to help you." Her response was unequivocal: "No, President Trump, the territory is sacrosanct. Sovereignty is sacrosanct. Sovereignty is not for sale. Sovereignty is loved and defended."
Trump confirmed the exchange, telling reporters aboard Air Force One that he made the offer because cartels are "horrible people" responsible for thousands of deaths. "If Mexico wanted help with the cartels, I would be honored to go in and do it," he said. However, he dismissed Sheinbaum’s refusal, claiming she was paralyzed by fear of the cartels.
Sovereignty vs. security
Sheinbaum’s stance reflects Mexico’s long-standing resistance to foreign military intervention. "We don't accept invasions or interference," she said last month. "We are not a protectorate or colony of any foreign country." Despite cooperating with the U.S. on limited security measures, such as allowing drone surveillance of fentanyl labs, she has drawn a hard line against boots on the ground.
The Trump administration, however, appears undeterred. Reports suggest some officials are considering unilateral drone strikes against cartel targets in Mexico, a move that would mark the first U.S. military action on Mexican soil since 1914. The Crisis Group, a think tank, warned that "some officials in Washington appear to be laying the groundwork for military action against drug trafficking organizations in Mexican territory, with—or without—Mexico's consent."
A fragile partnership
The dispute threatens to unravel recent cooperation between the two nations. In February, Sheinbaum agreed to deploy 10,000 Mexican troops to curb cross-border trafficking, prompting Trump to delay a threatened 25% tariff on Mexican goods. The U.S. also designated six Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, enabling stricter financial sanctions and raising the specter of military action.
Yet Sheinbaum has remained defiant. "We can work together, but you in your territory and us in ours," she reiterated. Her refusal underscores the delicate balance between collaboration and coercion in U.S.-Mexico relations in a balance that Trump seems willing to test.
Sheinbaum’s firm rejection of U.S. military intervention signals that Mexico will not yield on sovereignty, even as pressure mounts. However, with cartels continuing to fuel drug trafficking and violence, it is painfully apparent that something needs to change in the way Mexico is handling the crisis.
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