Mexico Rejects U.S. Military Action Against Drug Cartels as Sovereignty at Stake

Fri Oct 03 2025 21:01:33 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

U.S. President Donald Trump's plans for a military intervention in Mexico to combat drug cartels are firmly opposed by the Mexican government, emphasizing national sovereignty.

In a clear rebuff to U.S. intentions, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum declared that there will be no military incursion into Mexican territory following reports that President Trump had issued a directive to the Pentagon aimed at targeting Latin American drug cartels. "The United States is not going to come to Mexico with the military," Sheinbaum stated definitively, stressing that cooperation and collaboration exist, but an invasion is out of the question. According to the New York Times, Trump's directive reportedly allows for military actions against designated cartels that could facilitate direct engagement on foreign soil.

The U.S. administration has maintained that its primary aim is to safeguard the homeland amidst growing issues with drug trafficking. While the White House did not specifically address the directive, Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarked that categorizing drug cartels as terrorist organizations is necessary for effective action against them. The reports indicate that Trump’s order could establish a framework for military operations against cartels, which would mark a significant escalation in U.S. intervention strategies.

Throughout the past few months, Mexican and U.S. authorities have collaborated to tackle the intertwined problems of drug trafficking and migration, with the latest statistics showing a significant drop in border crossings and drug seizures. U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson celebrated this ongoing partnership, citing Sheinbaum and Trump's leadership as factors leading to the diminishing power of drug cartels. However, Sheinbaum has reiterated the importance of upholding Mexico’s sovereignty in these discussions, signaling that impending military actions are not on the table, and will not be tolerated.

In summary, the Mexican government is staunchly against any U.S. military involvement in combating drug cartels, focusing instead on collaborative efforts to tackle issues while maintaining their sovereignty.