Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Saturday that she had rejected a proposal from US President Donald Trump to deploy American troops into Mexico to assist in combating drug traffickers. She made this statement during a public event near Mexico City, emphasizing the importance of defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity in her decision to decline Trump’s suggestion.
Sheinbaum highlighted the potential for collaboration between the two countries, emphasizing that cooperation should be based on mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty. She also urged the United States to strengthen efforts to control the flow of illegal weapons into Mexico, considering it a key aspect of bilateral security cooperation.
Her remarks came in response to a report published by The Wall Street Journal on May 2nd. The report stated that during a call on April 16th, Trump proposed sending US troops to Mexico to assist in drug eradication efforts. Trump mentioned that if Mexico could not effectively dismantle drug cartels, the US would consider unilateral military action. He stated, “We want to help Mexico because you cannot govern a country under those circumstances.”
Additionally, the Trump administration has designated several major Mexican drug cartels as “foreign terrorist organizations”, and is considering further military measures including drone strikes.
A spokesperson for the National Security Council (NSC) mentioned that Trump believes Mexico should intensify its anti-drug efforts, while the US is willing to expand bilateral cooperation and support. The spokesperson added that Trump and Sheinbaum are working closely together to create the “safest US-Mexico Southwest border ever.” However, he also cautioned that dangerous foreign terrorist organizations continue to threaten the security of both countries, with their drugs and violence harming communities across the US.
Mexico has long been plagued by drug trafficking and organized crime. Despite the deployment of the National Guard by the government and efforts to enhance cooperation between federal and local law enforcement, the situation remains severe. According to official statistics, around 30,000 homicides were reported in Mexico in 2023, the majority of which were related to drug cartels and organized crime.
Violent incidents have continued into 2025. On January 13th, a shooting in Huitzilac, Morelos State, resulted in the deaths of 5 people. On March 5th, a ranch in Teuchitlán, Jalisco State, was discovered to be a suspected “extermination camp” operated by a drug cartel, where approximately 200 pairs of shoes, three cremation ovens, and charred bodies were found. According to the National Search Commission (CNB), around 15,000 people are currently missing in the state, the highest number nationwide.
Political violence has also persisted. On April 28th, Jose Luis Pereida Robles, the secretary of the city council in Teocaltiche, Jalisco State, was shot dead while dining at a restaurant. Two weeks prior, the city’s police chief, Ramón Grande Moncada, was fatally shot while out with his wife. In the same month, Germán Anuar Valencia Delgado, a mayoral candidate in Coxquihui, Veracruz State, was attacked by over 20 armed individuals during his campaign, resulting in his death.
In response to the challenging security situation, Sheinbaum reaffirmed that the Mexican government will continue to strengthen its efforts to combat drug crimes, emphasizing the necessity of international cooperation while respecting Mexico’s sovereignty. She also proposed a constitutional reform aimed at further solidifying national sovereignty protection.
(Reference: Reuters)