Sheinbaum Rejects Trump Troop Proposal, Highlights U.S. Seizure of 3 Million Fentanyl Pills and 16 Arrests

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has publicly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to deploy American troops to Mexico to combat drug cartels, emphasizing that 'sovereignty is not for sale.' Sheinbaum stated that while cooperation is welcome, military intervention is not acceptable, and Mexico will not accept the presence of the U.S. Army in its territory. Trump has intensified his calls for direct U.S. military action against Mexican drug cartels, arguing that Sheinbaum is 'afraid' of the cartels and not doing enough to address drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl. Trump described the cartels as responsible for deaths in the United States and claimed he would be 'honored' to send U.S. forces if Mexico agreed. Sheinbaum has responded by highlighting Mexico's efforts to curb arms trafficking from the U.S. into Mexico and has thanked Trump for measures taken against illegal arms flows, calling a recent U.S. statement on arms trafficking 'historic.' She also noted ongoing cooperation on security matters and recognized the importance of U.S. efforts in combating fentanyl trafficking, including the recent seizure of 3 million fentanyl pills, over 400 kilograms of fentanyl, $4.67 million in cash, and 73 firearms, as well as the arrest of 16 members of the Sinaloa Cartel. Bilateral relations remain stable, with both governments maintaining communication on security, trade, and other issues. Sheinbaum reported five phone calls with Trump in three months. Mexican officials, including Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard and Agriculture Minister Julio Berdegué, have held meetings in Washington with their U.S. counterparts, such as Brooke Rollins, to address trade issues including tomato and aluminum exports. Sheinbaum has reiterated that disagreements with the U.S. are addressed through official channels rather than public debate, and she maintains there is no 'fracture' in the relationship. She also referenced the deployment of 10,000 National Guard members to the border and the U.S. designation of several cartels, including the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation Cartels, as terrorist groups.