Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum revealed that U.S. President Donald Trump had suggested deploying American troops to Mexico to combat drug trafficking, but she firmly declined, stating that "sovereignty is not for sale."
Sheinbaum's remarks came after a report by the Wall Street Journal claimed that Trump was pressuring Mexico to allow increased U.S. military involvement to combat drug cartels along the shared border.
During a phone call, Trump proposed sending the U.S. Army to assist Mexico in fighting drug trafficking, to which Sheinbaum responded with a resounding rejection, emphasizing the sanctity of Mexico's territory and sovereignty.
While acknowledging the potential for collaboration between the two countries, Sheinbaum made it clear that the presence of U.S. military forces on Mexican soil would not be accepted.
The U.S. National Security Council stated that Trump has urged Mexico to intensify efforts against drug cartels, emphasizing close cooperation between the two nations.
Trump has previously stated that the U.S. would take unilateral military action if Mexico did not address drug cartel activities. The ongoing discussions between the leaders have also touched on security, trade, and immigration matters.
Sheinbaum highlighted the need for joint efforts to prevent the flow of weapons from the U.S. into Mexico, contributing to violence and trafficking issues.
Recent reports indicate escalating tensions between the two leaders, with Trump advocating for a more prominent role for U.S. armed forces in combating Mexican drug gangs.
In response to the U.S. designating Mexican drug cartels as global terrorist organizations, increased airborne surveillance of drug cartels by the U.S. military has been reported.
Sheinbaum has proposed a constitutional reform to reinforce Mexico's national sovereignty in the face of external pressures.
(Reporting by Lucinda Elliott; Editing by Diane Craft and Daniel Wallis)