Mexico declined an offer from former United States President Donald Trump to send American troops into the country to combat drug cartels, citing concerns over national sovereignty. Trump confirmed the offer and criticized the Mexican president for the refusal.
Trump stated Sunday aboard Air Force One that he had offered to deploy US forces to aid Mexico's efforts against powerful drug trafficking organizations. He claimed Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected the offer out of fear of the cartels.
"If Mexico wanted help with the cartels, we would be honored to go in and do it," Trump told reporters. He added that Sheinbaum is "so afraid of the cartels, she can’t walk," asserting she "can’t even think straight" because of this fear.
Mexican President Sheinbaum publicly confirmed the offer and her rejection Saturday. She stated her government's willingness to cooperate but drew a firm line against foreign military presence on Mexican soil.
“I told him, No, President Trump, our territory is inviolable, our sovereignty is inviolable, our sovereignty is not for sale,” Sheinbaum said during an appearance. She emphasized the nation cherishes and defends its sovereignty.
A US official suggested Mexico should reconsider its stance given the pervasive influence of criminal groups. Ron Vitiello, a senior adviser for US Customs and Border Protection, argued Sunday that Mexico could benefit from the assistance.Vitiello stated that hard-working people in Mexico do not want cartels in control. He characterized the offer as a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" and urged Sheinbaum to "lean in," adding, "If that includes (US) troops, so be it."
The proposal comes amid persistent concerns in the United States regarding the flow of illicit drugs, including fentanyl, across the southern border.During his previous term, Trump implemented various measures targeting Mexico, including threats of tariffs, framed as responses to border and drug issues. Donald Trump’s trade tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China explained visually His administration also deployed diverse law enforcement and military assets to the US side of the border.The Wall Street Journal had previously reported that the Trump administration was pressuring the Mexican government for deeper US military involvement in the fight against drug cartels, citing unnamed sources.
Vitiello’s comment directly contradicts Sheinbaum’s position on accepting American military aid, suggesting that the severity of the cartel problem warrants setting aside strict adherence to the principle of sovereignty.
