Mexico's president says she declined Trump's offer for US military crackdown on cartels

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum firmly declined President Trump's offer to send US troops to combat fentanyl trafficking from Mexico, asserting her country’s sovereignty. In a recent phone call, she emphasized the importance of maintaining Mexico's territorial integrity while recognizing the severity of fentanyl-related deaths, which have become a major concern in the US. Despite her rejection of military aid, she welcomed increased intelligence cooperation from the US. She highlighted ongoing collaborative efforts against migration and drug trafficking, reflecting both nations' economic ties and commitment to addressing mutual challenges.

Thousands of Mexican and US troops were already deployed to their respective sides of the border in February. Since January, the Drug Enforcement Administration has seized thousands of kilos of fentanyl, enough to kill more than 119 million Americans, or roughly a third of the country, according to an agency spokesperson.

Sheinbaum did accept an offer on the April 16 call to receive more intelligence from the US, per the report. Trump was also asked by Mexico to thwart more arms traffickers crossing the border into Mexico.

Read at New York Post