Mexico’s President Disagrees with Trump’s Call for US Troops at the Border

Sheinbaum Rejects Trump’s Proposal on Troops in Mexico

On Saturday, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum firmly dismissed President Donald Trump’s suggestion that American troops assist in combating drug cartels in Mexico. While Trump expected Mexico to take the lead in this fight, Sheinbaum opted against a military presence, instead agreeing to share intelligence.

In response to an article from the Wall Street Journal detailing a recent call where Trump proposed military aid to target human trafficking, Sheinbaum recounted, “He said, ‘How can you help you fight drug trafficking? I suggest that the US troops come and help you.’ And you know what I told him, ‘No, President Trump. Sovereignty is not sold. Sovereignty is loved and defended.’

Following this, James Hewitt, a spokesman for the White House National Security Council, defended Trump’s perspective, emphasizing the need for heightened cooperation between the two nations. He remarked that dangerous foreign terrorist organizations continue to pose threats to shared security through drug and crime activities.

Efforts by Trump’s administration to counteract drug cartels have reportedly prompted many operatives to retreat, fearing arrest or death as Mexican authorities intensified their actions against illegal drug production. Trump kickstarted his crackdown on drug trafficking right upon taking office, deploying troops, resuming wall construction, and signing an executive order classifying major drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

This approach evolved into a collaborative effort after Trump threatened tariffs on all imports from Mexico unless the Sheinbaum administration made significant strides against illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Consequently, Sheinbaum mobilized 10,000 personnel to the border and initiated targeted attacks against organized crime.

As a result of these pressures, Mexican forces seized approximately five tons of methamphetamine, 453 kilograms of cocaine, and 55 kilograms of fentanyl since early February. Additionally, the military confiscated $40 million worth of meth and arrested 29 cartel leaders, including a long-sought fugitive connected to a 1985 incident involving DEA agents.