Mexico rejects U.S. military action after Trump suggests targeting cartels

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected any U.S. military action against drug cartels in Mexico after U.S. President Donald Trump said the groups “are running Mexico” and suggested U.S. intervention.

Speaking on Monday at her daily press briefing in Mexico City, Sheinbaum said Mexico will cooperate with the United States on security matters, but only under conditions that respect Mexico’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

She said recent cooperation with the United States is based on shared responsibility, mutual respect and trust, and “cooperation without subordination,” adding that Mexico will not accept foreign military intervention on its territory.

“It is necessary to reaffirm that in Mexico, the people rule, and that we are a free, independent and sovereign country,” Sheinbaum said. “Cooperation, yes. Subordination and intervention, no.”

Sheinbaum said Mexico works with the United States, including to prevent fentanyl and other drugs from reaching both countries, but said the violence affecting Mexico is also fueled by the illegal flow of high-powered weapons from the United States and drug consumption north of the border.

Responding to questions, Sheinbaum said Trump has on several occasions raised the idea of U.S. military involvement in Mexico, but said her government has “firmly” rejected it.

Asked about Trump’s claim that she is “very frightened” of the cartels, Sheinbaum downplayed the remarks, saying they reflected Trump’s manner of speaking.

“It’s a way Trump talks,” she said. “I don’t believe in an invasion. I don’t believe they are taking that very seriously.”