The President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, reaffirmed this Friday that a military intervention by the United States in Mexican territory is completely ruled out, stressing that there is a “mutual understanding” with Washington in matters of security and the fight against organized crime, without this implying a loss of sovereignty.
During her morning conference from the National Palace, Sheinbaum responded to questions about recent statements by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who stated that Donald Trump’s administration is not contemplating unilateral actions in Mexico despite rising tensions on the border and calls from some Republican legislators for a “military response” to the power of the cartels.
U.S. military intervention in Mexico ruled out
“There are people who ask for it here in Mexico. In a very unpatriotic vision, seeking interference from abroad”: president @Claudiashein will not allow military intervention by the United States. pic.twitter.com/O3JxpbePFu
– La Periodista (@LaPeriodista_MX) November 14, 2025
“What we have been stating, and what we reiterate, is that any military intervention by the United States is ruled out, although there are people here in Mexico who continue to ask for it. We defend sovereignty, cooperation and mutual respect”, said the Mexican president.
A response to political pressure in Washington
The words of the Mexican president come in a context of growing pressure from some conservative sectors in the United States that have asked the White House to authorize direct military incursions against drug trafficking groups in Mexican territory, especially after the increase of fentanyl overdose deaths on U.S. soil.
However, Rubio – who has served as chief U.S. diplomat since September 2025 – denied that there is any formal plan for military action, assuring that Washington’s strategy continues to be based on binational cooperation and capacity building of Mexican security forces.
“Mexico remains an essential partner for regional security,” Rubio said before traveling to Canada to participate in the G7 summit. “Unilateral action is not contemplated, but it is a reality that there are areas of the country under the control of criminal organizations more powerful than local forces.”
Sovereignty and collaboration without subordination
Sheinbaum, who assumed the presidency on October 1, 2024, reiterated that her government maintains a policy of close collaboration with the United States on intelligence, border control and arms trafficking issues, but always under the principles of independence and mutual respect.
“There is understanding, there is collaboration, but not subordination. Decisions on national territory are made by Mexico”, pointed out the President, who also criticized the sectors that promote foreign intervention as “very unpatriotic”.
Cooperation amid tensions
Since the beginning of the new U.S. administration, the Donald Trump administration has promoted a “hemispheric security” policy that includes military operations in the Caribbean and Central America under the argument of curbing drug trafficking and migratory flows.
However, Mexico has insisted on maintaining its own cooperation mechanisms, such as the Bicentennial Understanding, originally signed in 2021, which prioritizes information exchange and technical training over direct military action.
Mexican Foreign Minister Alicia Bárcena confirmed that both governments are in constant communication to strengthen joint efforts against fentanyl trafficking, illegal arms sales and human trafficking.
“Mexico and the United States have a complex but solid relationship. Both recognize that security challenges must be addressed through cooperation and not imposition,” she said.
Regional context
The issue of military intervention was revived in recent weeks following the deployment of the U.S. Operation Southern Lance, announced by the Pentagon to combat drug trafficking in Latin America.
Although Washington did not mention Mexico as part of the operation, the announcement generated concern in the region and in the Mexican Congress.
Sheinbaum sought to put an end to speculation by stating that her government has received direct assurances that the United States will not intervene in Mexican territory under any pretext.
“The bilateral relationship is on good terms. There is respect, dialogue and collaboration. Mexico will not allow any action that violates its sovereignty”, concluded the President.
With information from EFE
