Claudia Sheinbaum says US military action against cartels 'won't happen'

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has publicly dismissed the possibility of U.S. military intervention against drug cartels operating within Mexico, following reports that the Trump administration is contemplating deploying troops to combat these criminal organizations. In a statement made to reporters on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, Sheinbaum asserted, "That won"t happen," in response to an NBC News report detailing the potential military action.

Key Details

The NBC News report indicated that the Trump administration, under President Donald Trump, is considering ground operations against powerful Mexican cartels, which have been a significant source of illegal drugs entering the United States. Trump has previously criticized Mexico for not doing enough to curb the flow of narcotics across the border, leading to heightened tensions between the two nations.

In April 2025, Trump designated several Mexican cartels as "terrorist" organizations, a move that underscores the severity with which his administration views the drug crisis. During the same period, Trump proposed sending U.S. troops to Mexico to assist in the fight against these cartels, a suggestion that Sheinbaum firmly rejected. This rejection highlights Mexico"s insistence on maintaining its sovereignty and its ability to handle domestic security issues independently.

In September 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Sheinbaum and commended her administration"s anti-drug efforts. Rubio emphasized that the United States would respect Mexico"s sovereignty, a statement that aimed to alleviate concerns regarding potential military intervention. However, the recent NBC report, which cited four unnamed current or former U.S. officials, revealed that the Trump administration has begun training troops and intelligence officers for a possible mission on Mexican soil. Despite this development, the report clarified that any deployment is "not imminent" and that a final decision regarding military action has yet to be made.

Background

The ongoing battle against drug cartels in Mexico has been a longstanding issue, with various administrations in both Mexico and the United States grappling with the implications of drug trafficking on public safety and international relations. The Mexican government has faced criticism for its strategies in combating organized crime, while the U.S. has been under pressure to address the opioid crisis exacerbated by the influx of drugs from Mexico.

In recent years, the relationship between the U.S. and Mexico has been tested by differing approaches to drug enforcement and border security. The Trump administration"s aggressive stance on drug cartels has led to discussions about military involvement, which has historically been a contentious topic given Mexico"s sovereignty and the potential for diplomatic fallout.

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What"s Next

As the situation develops, the Mexican government remains firm in its stance against foreign military intervention. Sheinbaum"s rejection of U.S. troop deployment reflects a broader commitment to addressing the drug crisis through domestic policies rather than external military assistance. The ongoing dialogue between U.S. and Mexican officials will likely continue to focus on collaborative efforts to combat drug trafficking while respecting national sovereignty.

For further context on related international military operations, see our coverage on recent developments involving U.S. naval deployments in the Caribbean.