President Claudia Sheinbaum has reaffirmed that Mexico will not allow U.S. troops on its soil, even after reports that President Donald Trump quietly signed an order authorizing military force against foreign drug cartels. She said Washington assured her that the directive does not include sending American forces into Mexico.
Key Facts:
- The New York Times reported Trump signed an order targeting foreign drug cartels designated as terrorist organizations.
- Sheinbaum said the U.S. told her the order would not involve sending troops into Mexico.
- The directive focuses on Latin American cartels and gangs like Tren de Aragua, MS-13, and Venezuela’s Cartel de los Soles.
- Mexico’s government has deployed troops against cartels, including the powerful Sinaloa Cartel, following earlier U.S. pressure.
- U.S. fentanyl seizures have dropped while Mexican seizures have increased due to bilateral cooperation.
The Rest of The Story:
On Friday, President Sheinbaum addressed media reports that President Trump had authorized the use of U.S. military force abroad against designated foreign terrorist organizations, including certain drug cartels. She made clear that Mexico would not allow an American military presence inside its borders, stating, “The United States is not going to come to Mexico with the military.”
Sheinbaum said she was informed by U.S. officials ahead of time about the order and was assured that it does not mean American troops will be deployed in Mexico. She emphasized that cooperation between the two nations will continue but will not involve what she described as an “invasion.”
The Trump administration’s directive reportedly targets major transnational criminal organizations operating in Latin America. While most of the cartels identified operate primarily in Mexico, others—like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua—are based in Central and South America. The U.S. recently labeled Venezuela’s Cartel de los Soles a terrorist group.
Earlier this year, after Trump applied trade pressure, Mexico deployed hundreds of troops to battle the Sinaloa Cartel, resulting in substantial cartel losses. U.S. Ambassador Ronald Johnson credited Sheinbaum’s cooperation for reducing fentanyl flow into the U.S. and increasing seizures in Mexico.
When asked about President Trump's directive for the Pentagon to prepare for the possible use of U.S. military force against drug cartels designated as terrorist organizations, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo dismissed the idea. https://t.co/jOv7Rb4Mlw pic.twitter.com/4cRNAyfoQp
— ABC News (@ABC) August 8, 2025
Commentary:
Sheinbaum’s stance against U.S. military presence on Mexican soil is unsurprising. As the leader of a sovereign nation, she has a duty to maintain control over domestic security decisions. Allowing foreign troops could inflame nationalist sentiment and create political instability at home.
However, Mexico’s sovereignty cannot be separated from the reality that it shares a nearly 2,000-mile border with the United States. The drug crisis in America is deeply connected to cartel activity in Mexico. Fentanyl and other deadly substances flow north, while illegal weapons and cash flow south. The cross-border nature of the threat means that cooperation is essential.
For decades, Mexico has struggled to contain the cartels’ power. Corruption, intimidation, and violence have weakened law enforcement efforts. Under previous administrations, cartel influence often went unchallenged. The results have been devastating for both Mexican citizens and American communities.
President Trump’s strategy of applying strong economic pressure—especially through tariff threats—has had measurable effects. When faced with the possibility of trade penalties, Mexico took more aggressive action against its most dangerous criminal organizations. Deploying troops against the Sinaloa Cartel earlier this year was a direct outcome of that pressure.
Importantly, while Trump has signed this military directive, his administration has not stated any intention to invade or send combat troops into Mexico. This approach leaves the door open for strong cooperation without crossing the sovereignty line.
The results of this cooperation are tangible. Fentanyl seizures have shifted south, disrupting cartel supply chains before the drugs reach U.S. communities. This success underscores the value of sustained collaboration, backed by credible pressure when needed.
If Sheinbaum continues to actively partner with the United States to dismantle cartels, tensions over military intervention will likely remain a non-issue. But if Mexico backslides or fails to address the crisis, pressure from Washington could intensify again.
Ultimately, both nations benefit when cartels are weakened. Mexico gains security and stability, while the U.S. sees fewer drugs and criminals crossing the border. The challenge lies in keeping the momentum going without undermining either side’s national dignity.
The Bottom Line:
Sheinbaum’s refusal to permit U.S. troops in Mexico is consistent with protecting national sovereignty, but it comes in the context of increased cooperation against powerful drug cartels. Trump’s order authorizes military force abroad, yet his administration assures that Mexico will not see direct U.S. military deployment.
As long as both countries continue joint operations and Mexico remains committed to dismantling the cartels, the arrangement could deliver results without sparking a diplomatic clash. The future of the drug war at the border may depend less on military boots and more on political will.
