The Mexican president stated on Friday that U.S. troops would not be permitted to enter Mexico following reports that President Trump had ordered military action against foreign drug cartels classified as terrorist organizations.
“The U.S. is not going to come to Mexico with the military. We will work together, yes, but there will be no invasion. That’s absolutely excluded,” said Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
“That’s not part of any agreement. We’ve always maintained a clear stance against it.”
Reportedly, Trump has quietly signed orders that would give legitimacy to potential military operations targeting criminal groups. U.S. military officials are also reportedly beginning to devise plans to address the cartels.
Executing strikes against cartels labeled as terrorist entities could lead to legal challenges, especially if the targets do not pose an imminent danger or if those actions haven’t been authorized by Congress.
“President Trump’s top priority is to protect his hometown. This is why he’s moved to classify several cartels and gangs as foreign terrorist organizations,” said White House spokesperson Anna Kelly in a statement.
Earlier this May, the Trump administration proposed deploying troops to fight cartels in Mexico. This followed an executive order signed on January 20 that designated multiple gangs, including MS-13, Cartel De Sinaloa, and Cartel De Jalisco Nueva Generación, as violent groups.
Sheinbaum rejected this proposal, affirming that Mexico will collaborate with U.S. authorities to share intelligence.
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark), a member of the Armed Services Committee, remarked, “Mexican drug cartels are just as dangerous as terrorist organizations. I’ve long urged for the U.S. to confront the cartels directly, and I support both President Trump and @secdef.”
Since taking office in 2024, Sheinbaum has intensified efforts against cartels, particularly targeting Sinaloa. In July, Mexican officials reported a notable reduction in fentanyl-related incidents.
