Mexican President Rejects Trump’s Offer for Military Aid Against Cartels

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has declined U.S. military aid from President Trump to combat drug cartels, reaffirming Mexico’s sovereignty. The White House noted ongoing cooperative efforts but urged Mexico to take more action against threats from cartels. A Heritage Foundation report suggested military action should be a last resort, stressing joint operations with Mexico as ideal.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has officially turned down a proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump for military assistance to combat drug trafficking and violent cartels in Mexico. This confirmation came after a report by the Wall Street Journal surfaced on Friday. Sheinbaum stated, “it’s true” that Trump reached out, asking, “How can we help you fight drug trafficking?” However, she remained firm in her stance, asserting that Mexico would “never accept” the deployment of U.S. troops on its soil.

In her conversation with Trump, Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of sovereignty. She remarked, “No, President Trump, our territory is inalienable, sovereignty is inalienable.” She mentioned that while bilateral collaboration is possible, it must occur with each country respecting territorial boundaries. “We can collaborate. We can work together, but with you in your territory and us in ours,” she noted.

The White House deputy press secretary, Anna Kelly, commented on the evolving partnership between the U.S. and Mexico concerning border security. In a written statement to Fox News Digital on Saturday, she highlighted that President Trump has engaged with President Sheinbaum to enhance security coordination, marking it at unprecedented levels. According to Kelly, this collaboration has led to significant outcomes, such as the extradition of key cartel figures to the United States for prosecution.

Since taking office, Trump has employed CIA drones for surveillance purposes in Mexico, working closely with the Mexican government to monitor cartel activities. He has officially designated these drug cartels as “foreign terrorist” organizations, a move that has sparked significant discussion.

While praising the ongoing security collaboration, Kelly also urged Mexico to take further measures against these foreign terrorist organizations. She indicated that the U.S. would seek to amplify initiatives aimed at dismantling transnational criminal networks, stating, “We will make America safe again.”

In January, the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, released a report outlining strategies Trump could adopt to address the border crisis. This document stressed that cartels appear to be growing more powerful while both illegal immigration and narcotics smuggling have surged, alongside diminishing U.S.-Mexico cooperation. The foundation suggested that military action against the cartels should be approached cautiously and only in coordination with Mexican authorities.

The report concluded that unilateral U.S. military interventions could disrupt cartel operations but cautioned that such actions should indeed be a last resort. Observers speculate that Mexico’s firm stance under Sheinbaum’s leadership might persist despite heightened cartel threats, leading to continued tension between the nations on this issue.

In summary, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly rejected President Donald Trump’s offer of U.S. troops to combat drug cartels, asserting the nation’s sovereignty. While both nations recognize the necessity of working together, the emphasis remains on mutual respect of territorial integrity. As cooperation continues, U.S. pressure mounts on Mexico to bolster its defenses against drug trafficking. The discussion around military intervention highlights the complexities of international collaboration in addressing crime and safety issues across borders.

Original Source: wfin.com