Sheinbaum Firmly Defends Mexico’s Sovereignty Against U.S. Military Presence
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum publicly disclosed on May 3, 2025, that she rejected a proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump to deploy American troops on Mexican soil to assist in combating drug cartels. During a public event, Sheinbaum recounted a phone conversation with Trump in which he asked how the U.S. could help fight organized crime and suggested sending U.S. military forces to Mexico. Sheinbaum responded firmly, stating, “No, President Trump, our territory is inviolable, our sovereignty is inviolable, our sovereignty is not for sale” and made clear that Mexico would never accept the presence of U.S. troops on its territory.
Cooperation Without Military Intervention
While rejecting the military deployment, Sheinbaum emphasized Mexico’s willingness to collaborate with the U.S. through other means, particularly by enhancing intelligence sharing and information exchange. She stressed that cooperation is possible “but you [the U.S.] in your territory, we in ours” and reaffirmed her commitment to protecting Mexico’s national sovereignty.
Context: Rising Tensions Over Drug Trafficking and Security
The rejection came amid heightened tensions between the two countries over drug trafficking, especially the flow of fentanyl and other illegal substances into the United States. Trump has repeatedly criticized Mexico for what he describes as insufficient action against drug cartels, accusing the country of being “entirely controlled by criminal cartels” that pose a serious threat to U.S. national security. His administration has taken steps such as designating Mexican drug cartels as global terrorist organizations and increasing U.S. military surveillance over cartel operations.
Sheinbaum, who took office in January 2025, has sought to balance cooperation with the U.S. while maintaining Mexico’s sovereignty and avoiding direct military involvement. She has deployed thousands of National Guard troops to the northern border and transferred suspected cartel members to U.S. authorities but has resisted any U.S. military presence on Mexican soil.
Arms Trafficking and Violence: A Call for U.S. Action
In addition to rejecting troop deployment, Sheinbaum urged Trump to address the issue of cross-border arms trafficking, which has fueled a wave of violence in Mexico responsible for over 450,000 deaths in nearly two decades. She noted that Trump issued an order on April 30, 2025, to ensure necessary measures are taken to prevent weapons from entering Mexico from the U.S.
Diplomatic and Trade Implications
This security disagreement unfolds amid ongoing diplomatic negotiations between Mexico and the U.S., including disputes over trade tariffs imposed by Trump. Mexico, as the largest U.S. trading partner and the second-largest economy in Latin America, remains vulnerable to these tariffs, which Trump has linked to issues such as fentanyl trafficking.
