Mexican President Rejects Trump’s Offer for U.S. Troops to Combat…

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum declined U.S. military help from Trump, stressing sovereignty. Trump’s offer was made amidst discussions on combating drug trafficking. Collaboration is possible, but Sheinbaum insists on no U.S. troops in Mexico. The Heritage Foundation suggests military action could be considered under specific circumstances.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly declined an offer from U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested military assistance to help combat drug trafficking and rampant cartel violence in Mexico. In fact, she confirmed the rejection, saying, “it’s true” when responding to a Wall Street Journal report about the overture. Trump’s inquiry included, “How can we help you fight drug trafficking?” but Sheinbaum made it very clear that their nation will “never accept” U.S. troops on Mexican soil.

In her direct response to Trump, Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of national sovereignty. “No, President Trump, our territory is inalienable, sovereignty is inalienable,” she stated. The Mexican president expressed a willingness to collaborate but affirmed that efforts need to stay within their own respective borders. She advocated for sharing information without any U.S. military presence interfering with their territory.

In a statement provided to Fox News Digital, White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly highlighted ongoing efforts between the two nations regarding border security. She noted, “President Trump has worked with President Sheinbaum to advance border security collaboration with Mexico to the highest levels ever.” Kelly pointed out that this cooperation has led to significant outcomes, including extraditing several cartel leaders to face justice in the U.S. and achieving what they claim to be the most secure border in history.

Since assuming office, Trump has endorsed the continued use of CIA drones for surveillance flights over Mexico in concert with the Mexican government. In a move that underscores the escalating urgency of the crisis, he has categorized drug cartels as “foreign terrorist” organizations. Kelly further stated that Mexico must step up its efforts to protect Americans from the increasing drugs and violence emanating from these criminal organizations.

Her remarks included a promise to “explore ways to enhance our efforts across the region to dismantle these transnational criminal organizations.” This is part of a broader approach the Trump administration is taking to tackle the ongoing challenges along the U.S.-Mexico border, including combating drug trafficking and related violence.

The Heritage Foundation, a leading conservative think tank, issued a report earlier this year outlining strategies for Trump to leverage military means against the border crisis. Their findings indicate that Mexican cartels have expanded their reach, while illegal immigration and narcotics smuggling have noticeably increased. They cautioned, however, that military intervention should be an option of last resort, favoring coordinated efforts with Mexico instead.

The foundation articulated that “in the appropriate context, unilateral U.S. military action may be employed to disrupt cartel activity” especially when faced with a resistant Mexican government. They also observed that with Sheinbaum’s election, the likelihood of Mexico’s cooperation with U.S. military action appeared bleak, despite the pressing need to address cartel threats.

In summary, President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico has unequivocally rejected military assistance from President Trump, insisting on maintaining the nation’s sovereignty. While both leaders have previously collaborated on border security, differing views on military presence complicate relations. The ongoing influence of drug cartels remains a pressing issue, with calls from various sources, including the Heritage Foundation, suggesting the potential for more aggressive U.S. action, albeit as a last resort.

Original Source: www.foxnews.com