Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly rejected any possibility of U.S. drone strikes against drug cartels on Mexican soil, amid reports that the Trump administration is considering such military action.
"We do not agree with any kind of intervention or interference," Sheinbaum declared during her daily news conference on Tuesday. "We coordinate, we collaborate, but we are not subordinate and there is no meddling in these actions."
The statement comes after NBC News reported that the Trump administration is weighing drone strikes targeting cartel operations in Mexico, citing six current and former U.S. officials. While discussions are still in early stages, the sources indicated that both joint operations with Mexican consent and unilateral U.S. action are being considered.
The Mexican government has allowed increased military and CIA surveillance flights over its territory to gather intelligence on cartel activities. However, experts warn that actual military strikes could severely damage U.S.-Mexico relations.
"Unilateral U.S. strikes on Mexican soil would be devastating for bilateral relations," said Gustavo A. Flores-Macías, professor at Cornell University. He noted that Mexico could respond by cutting cooperation on immigration, security and other cross-border matters.
The issue touches deep historical sensitivities in Mexico, which lost significant territory to the U.S. in the 1846-48 Mexican-American War and endured military incursions in the early 20th century.
While President Trump has praised Sheinbaum's anti-cartel efforts, calling her a "marvelous woman," he maintains that the U.S. should "wage war" against drug traffickers. His administration has already designated six Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
Under Sheinbaum's leadership, Mexico has intensified its fight against organized crime through arrests, drug seizures, and extradition of cartel leaders to the U.S. However, she remains adamant about defending Mexican sovereignty against what she terms "violations by land, sea or air."
The diplomatic tensions arise as both nations grapple with the ongoing fentanyl crisis and cross-border drug trafficking, issues that demand continued bilateral cooperation despite differing approaches to enforcement.