Mexican President Sheinbaum Rejects Trump’s Proposal for US Military Action Against Drug Cartels

President Claudia Sheinbaum on Tuesday dismissed any suggestion of US military strikes on Mexican territory. This follows President Donald Trump’s comments supporting such action to stop drug trafficking. She reinforced that Mexico accepts intelligence co-operation. However, it will absolutely not allow foreign intervention.

Mexico Will Not Allow Foreign Intervention Against Cartels

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum spoke on Tuesday. She flatly refused permission for US strikes against cartels on Mexican soil. This happened after Donald Trump’s recent comments. Trump had said he was ready to do “whatever it takes” to halt drugs entering the US.

“It’s not going to happen,” President Sheinbaum declared.

She noted that Trump has offered US military intervention “on various occasions.” He said they could assist Mexico “to fight the criminal groups.” “But I have told him on every occasion that we can collaborate,” she explained. They can offer intelligence and information, she stated. “But that we operate in our territory,” she firmly added. “We do not accept any intervention by a foreign government.” Sheinbaum confirmed that both Trump and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio understood this message previously.

Trump had stated on Monday: “Would I want strikes in Mexico to stop drugs? OK with me.” He added, “whatever we have to do to stop drugs.” He concluded by saying he’s “not happy with Mexico.” Later on Monday, the US Embassy in Mexico shared a video on X. This video featured past comments from Rubio. He had said the US would not take unilateral action in Mexico.

US Border Signs Cause Diplomatic Stir

Meanwhile, diplomats from Mexico and the US met on Tuesday. They were addressing a potential border issue. This issue involved a possible US incursion. On Monday, men on a boat arrived at a beach in northeast Mexico. They put up signs claiming land as a US Department of Defense restricted area.

Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Ministry later confirmed their navy removed the signs. These signs appeared to be clearly on Mexican soil. On Tuesday, Sheinbaum confirmed the involvement of the International Boundary and Water Commission. This binational agency determines the border line.

Witnesses reported men arriving at Playa Bagdad by boat. They caused a commotion by erecting the signs near the Rio Grande’s mouth. The signs, in English and Spanish, read “Warning: Restricted Area.” They claimed the land was Department of Defense property. They forbade “unauthorized access, photography or drawings.”

The Pentagon confirmed the incident on Tuesday via the US Embassy. Contractors were placing signs to mark “National Defense Area III.” They had placed them at the mouth of the Rio Grande.

“Changes in water depth and topography altered the perception,” the Pentagon statement said. This change affected where the international boundary seemed to be. “Government of Mexico personnel removed six signs,” the statement continued. This removal was based on their boundary perception. The Pentagon promised contractors would “co-ordinate with appropriate agencies to avoid confusion.”

Sheinbaum explained that US government contractors had placed the signs. Mexico had contacted its Brownsville consulate and the US Embassy. “But the river changes its course, it breaks loose,” Sheinbaum noted in her briefing. She added that the treaty requires clear national border demarcation.

SpaceX and “Gulf of America” Issues

This area is also sensitive due to the nearby SpaceX Starbase. The facility is next to Boca Chica Beach in Texas. The launch site has contracts with the Department of Defense and NASA. NASA plans to send astronauts to the moon and Mars. In June, Sheinbaum raised concerns about contamination. She said the government was investigating rocket debris found on the Mexican side after a test explosion.

Adding to the sensitivity is Trump’s past proposal. He wanted to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.” Mexico has also firmly rejected this idea.