US President Donald Trump launched new criticism against his Mexican counterpart, Claudia Sheinbaum, by assuring that she is “so afraid” of drug cartels that she “cannot think clearly”.
The comment, considered by some analysts as a diplomatic provocation, comes after Sheinbaum rejected the proposal to allow the U.S. Army into Mexican territory.
Trump confirms he offered U.S. troops to Mexico
Speaking to reporters during a flight on Air Force One, Trump confirmed that he recently offered Sheinbaum to send US troops to fight cartels, and reiterated that “it would be an honor” to intervene militarily if the Mexican government requested it.
“The cartels are trying to destroy us. They are killing innocent people, making billions on fentanyl and human trafficking. We do want to take them on with full force,” Trump said.
Mexico’s categorical rejection
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the proposal days earlier at a press conference in Texcoco, where she stressed that her response was firm:
No, President Trump. Mexican territory is inviolable. Sovereignty is not for sale
Claudia Sheinbaum
Sheinbaum explained that Mexico is willing to collaborate on security issues with the United States, but always on a basis of mutual respect, without the presence of foreign forces.
We can work together, share information, but each country acts from its own territory
Claudia Sheinbaum
The background: pressure and bilateral tensions
The exchange made national news following a Wall Street Journal report, which revealed that Trump has been pressuring the Mexican government to allow greater US military involvement in anti-organized crime operations.
According to diplomatic sources quoted by the newspaper, the conversation between the two leaders took place on April 16.
Trump has stepped up his anti-cartel rhetoric in his second term.
In addition to seeking direct intervention, it has re-imposed economic tariffs on Mexico to force greater collaboration on security, especially in the fight against fentanyl trafficking.
Measurements and responses from both sides
In response to U.S. pressure, the Mexican government deployed 10,000 National Guard elements to the northern border to curb both irregular migration and the flow of drugs.
For his part, Trump has officially classified six Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, including the Sinaloa Cartel, CJNG, Gulf, Northwest, Familia Michoacana and the United Cartels.
This designation allows the U.S. to freeze assets, block funding and take unilateral actions under anti-terrorism laws, although without authorization for direct military entry into another country.
What’s at stake for Latinos in the U.S.?
Buzzy
For the Hispanic community living in the United States, increased tensions with Mexico and Trump’s militaristic approach raise concerns about tougher immigration policies, more aggressive border operations and the use of drug trafficking as a political argument in a pre-election year.
Migrant advocacy organizations have warned that the talk of war against the cartels may translate into greater stigmatization and internal raids in Latino communities.
They have also reiterated that cooperation between countries should be based on diplomacy, not threats.
