MEXICO CITY — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced Monday that U.S. President Donald Trump has agreed to rule out direct U.S. military intervention in Mexico. The assurance reportedly came during a phone call between the two leaders on January 12, aimed at de-escalating rising tensions over cross-border security and drug trafficking.
Speaking at her daily press conference, Sheinbaum characterized the 15-minute conversation with Trump as “cordial.” She stated that while the U.S. President offered American assistance to combat drug cartels, he accepted her position that foreign military presence on Mexican soil was not an option.
“We told him that so far we are doing very well and that it is not necessary,” Sheinbaum told reporters. “Furthermore, there is Mexico’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. And he understood.”
Tensions High Following Venezuela Operation
The diplomatic exchange comes at a critical moment. Tensions between the neighboring nations spiked earlier this month after U.S. forces executed a surprise military operation in Venezuela on January 3, resulting in the capture of Nicolás Maduro.
Following that operation, President Trump had publicly suggested the U.S. might next “hit land” in Mexico to target cartels, raising fears of a unilateral incursion. Sheinbaum moved to quell those fears Monday, confirming to reporters that the call effectively took U.S. military action off the table. She reiterated her administration’s stance of “coordination without subordination,” emphasizing that Mexico would not negotiate away its sovereignty.
Diplomats Seek “Tangible Results”
While the threat of “boots on the ground” appears to have receded, pressure from Washington remains intense. The presidential call followed high-level discussions held Sunday between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Mexican Foreign Secretary Juan Ramón de la Fuente.
During those talks, Secretary Rubio pressed for “tangible results” in dismantling what the U.S. administration labels “narcoterrorist networks.” According to U.S. officials, the priority remains stopping the flow of fentanyl and weapons. Rubio emphasized that the U.S. requires stronger cooperation to dismantle the infrastructure of the cartels.
Mexico Defends Security Strategy
Despite U.S. criticism, President Sheinbaum defended her government’s security record. She cited recent data indicating a 40 percent reduction in drug-related deaths and a 50 percent drop in fentanyl seizures at the border as proof that her strategy is effective. She argued that these figures demonstrate Mexico is tackling the issue without the need for foreign intervention.
Next Steps
Both nations agreed to keep diplomatic channels open to manage the security crisis. Sheinbaum announced that a Mexican delegation will travel to Washington, D.C., later this month to continue discussions on security and trade, particularly concerning the upcoming review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
For now, the immediate specter of U.S. intervention has been paused, but the Trump administration’s offer of “help” remains a standing pressure point should Mexico’s security situation fail to meet U.S. expectations.
Sources
- ABC News: Mexican president tells Trump US intervention against cartels is unnecessary
- Reuters: Mexico’s Sheinbaum urges closer US coordination
- Denver Gazette: Rubio and Mexico’s foreign secretary discuss stronger cooperation
- Yahoo News: US troops in Mexico ‘not on table’
- Washington Examiner: Rubio and Mexico discuss stronger cooperation against cartels
- Latin Times: Marco Rubio Highlights US’s Need For ‘Tangible Results’
- Mirage News: Rubio Talks with Mexico’s De La Fuente
