Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum publicly rejected a proposal by former U.S. President Donald Trump to deploy American troops into Mexico to combat drug cartels, declaring at a Saturday event that "sovereignty is not for sale." Her remarks followed a Wall Street Journal report detailing a tense phone call last month between the two leaders, during which Trump reportedly pressured Sheinbaum to accept a direct U.S. military role in the fight against narcotrafficking.
"He said, 'How can we help you fight drug trafficking? I propose that the United States military come in and help you.' And you know what I said to him? 'No, President Trump,'" Sheinbaum stated during a speech in eastern Mexico. "Sovereignty is not for sale. Sovereignty is loved and defended."
Speaking to an applauding crowd, she emphasized, "We will never accept the presence of the United States military in our territory." The comments suggest a sharp divide between Sheinbaum and Trump as the two countries navigate a complex relationship involving immigration, security, and trade.
The White House and State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. U.S. officials have ramped up military involvement along the southern border in recent months, increasing surveillance flights, deploying equipment, and stationing troops near known fentanyl trafficking corridors. Trump previously designated numerous drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations on February 19, enhancing law enforcement authority against them.
Sheinbaum, Mexico's first female president, has maintained that bilateral cooperation must respect national boundaries. "We can work together, but you in your territory and us in ours," she said.
During her remarks, Sheinbaum acknowledged the accuracy of the Journal's report but added that it was "true... but not as described." She confirmed that the phone call occurred and involved a discussion about drug trafficking, during which she expressed willingness to improve intelligence sharing but firmly rejected troop deployments.
The episode comes as broader U.S.-Mexico negotiations continue. Earlier this year, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Mexican goods, citing unmet promises to halt illegal immigration and stop drug flows. While the tariffs were later paused, tensions remain high. Trump reiterated his stance in an April 10 post on Truth Social, warning: "We will keep escalating consequences, including TARIFFS and, maybe even SANCTIONS, until Mexico honors the Treaty, and GIVES TEXAS THE WATER THEY ARE OWED!"
In a separate statement on April 22, Sheinbaum stated: "We don't accept invasions or interference. We are not a protectorate or colony of any foreign country."
General Gregory Guillot, commander of U.S. Northern Command, highlighted increased enforcement operations on the U.S. side of the border, saying, "The establishment of a second National Defense Area increases our operational reach and effectiveness in denying illegal activity."
Despite these tensions, both countries recently reached a breakthrough on a longstanding water dispute. The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed that Mexico had agreed to deliver overdue water under the 1944 treaty, providing immediate relief to Texas farmers and ranchers. However, Trump's administration has continued to press for further concessions.
