Mexico Firmly Opposes U.S. Military Action Against Drug Cartels

Amid reports of a secret directive from Donald Trump to target drug cartels militarily, Mexican officials assert that no U.S. troops will be entering their territory and emphasize a commitment to sovereignty and cooperation.

Mexico has firmly dismissed the idea of U.S. military intervention to combat drug cartels, following reports that former President Donald Trump had signed a directive aimed at expanding military options against such groups. President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized that the United States would not be sending troops into Mexico, stating, "We do not have an invasion; that is ruled out, absolutely ruled out." These comments came in response to a New York Times report detailing Trump's secret authorization for military engagement against foreign drug trafficking organizations.

While President Trump has been vocal about designating certain Mexican drug cartels as terrorist entities earlier in the year—an action that included six Mexican groups—Sheinbaum made it clear that any military participation from the U.S. is unwelcome. She expressed that the Mexican government was informed of Trump's forthcoming orders on drug cartels, but reassured the public that these actions did not imply any military involvement.

The White House has opted not to directly address Trump's directive but reaffirmed that protecting the U.S. homeland remains a top priority. Recently, Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the U.S. would enhance its focus on cartel activities, positioning them not merely as drug trafficking entities, but as armed terrorist organizations necessitating a strategic military response.

In light of recent collaborations to manage both drug trafficking and illegal migration, Sheinbaum reiterated her position that U.S. intervention would not be tolerated, framing it as a threat to Mexican sovereignty. The Mexican government has worked hand in hand with U.S. authorities to lower illegal border crossings and drug seizures, with recent statistics showing significant declines. U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Ronald Johnson, commended the partnership between the two nations, highlighting its effectiveness in undermining the capabilities of organized crime.