Sheinbaum Stands Firm: No U.S. Drones or Troops in Mexico

Mexico City — During a recent edition of La Mañanera del Pueblo, President Claudia Sheinbaum delivered a firm message: Mexico is and will remain a sovereign nation. The president denied reports that the CIA is conducting drone flights over Mexican territory and categorically rejected any unauthorized intervention by U.S. troops.

Mexico Will Not Be Subordinated: Sheinbaum’s Statement

Amid growing rumors of alleged covert surveillance operations, Sheinbaum was unequivocal: “If there were to be any aircraft flying over Mexican territory, it would have to be exclusively under Mexico’s coordination and request.” She noted that past joint operations have occurred under cooperation frameworks but emphasized these were exceptional cases requiring bilateral agreement.

Defense of National Sovereignty

The president reiterated that territorial integrity is non-negotiable: “We will never jeopardize Mexico’s independence. We would never allow the U.S. military to set foot on Mexican soil.” She even referenced the national anthem to underscore that every Mexican is called to defend the homeland.

Context: Rising Tensions with Washington

Sheinbaum’s remarks come as U.S. President Donald Trump considers a more aggressive strategy against drug trafficking, including armed drone strikes targeting cartels in Mexico. Experts warn such measures could be more symbolic than effective and risk escalating diplomatic tensions, potentially undermining bilateral cooperation.

Fentanyl: A Complex Challenge

One of the U.S. government’s key concerns is combating fentanyl production. However, the drug’s manufacture in small, mobile labs complicates the identification of viable aerial targets, raising doubts about the feasibility of a military approach.

Mexico’s Strategy: Intelligence and Cooperation

In the early months of her administration, Mexico has extradited criminal leaders and deployed 10,000 soldiers to the northern border. Sheinbaum stressed that solutions lie not in external interventions but in:

• Strengthening intelligence and investigative efforts.
• Combating money laundering.
• Enhancing border technology.
• Engaging the chemical industry.
• Preventing violence through social and community programs.

Sheinbaum’s message made clear that while Mexico will continue collaborating with the U.S., it will do so only under conditions of equality and mutual respect. The challenge now is maintaining this stance while advancing tangible solutions to organized crime and the fentanyl crisis.