Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Thursday dismissed once again the possibility of United States military forces operating on Mexican territory under the guise of combating drug cartels, emphasizing that such an intervention would violate Mexico’s sovereignty.

Speaking during her morning press conference, Sheinbaum was asked about a recent NBC News report stating that the Trump administration has been examining the option of launching what it describes as an "anti-cartel mission" inside Mexico. The president responded that her position remains unchanged.

“There won’t be an intervention,” she said, arguing that Mexicans are “united against any interference” in the country’s internal affairs. “No Mexican man or woman, except for a few who are the absolute exception, want an intervention.”

Sheinbaum has consistently framed the issue as one of national sovereignty, arguing that foreign military involvement would not resolve the underlying causes of cartel power and could further destabilize communities. She noted earlier this year that she rejected an offer from US President Donald Trump to deploy troops in Mexico, saying she made clear that Mexican territory and sovereignty were “inviolable".

Trump adminstration plans covert mission against alleged cartels in Mexico

On November 3, two current and two former US officials familiar with the discussions told NBC News that the Trump administration is in the early stages of planning a covert mission that would send American troops and intelligence officers into Mexico to target drug cartels.

The proposed operation, which includes drone strikes on groups and individuals under the guise of targeting cartels, marks a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s military campaign against alleged transnational criminal groups. It would involve US special operations forces and CIA officers operating under Title 50 authority, which governs covert action by the US intelligence community.

While training for the potential mission has already begun, a final decision has not been made. US officials emphasized that no deployment is imminent and that discussions over the mission’s scope remain ongoing.

Read more: Intel reports put to question US claims on Venezuela, drug-trafficking

A break with past policy toward drug cartels in Mexico

Unlike previous US administrations, the proposed mission under US President Donald Trump would authorize direct US action inside Mexican territory.

If approved, the administration plans to keep the mission secret and avoid publicizing any related actions, much like its recent strikes against alleged drug-smuggling boats near Venezuela.

“The Trump administration is committed to utilizing an all-of-government approach to address the threats cartels pose to American citizens,” a senior administration official said.

The CIA declined to comment, and the Pentagon referred all inquiries to the White House when questioned by NBC.

US aggression targets Latin America

Since September, the US has conducted several fatal strikes on alleged drug trafficking vessels. The Trump administration has repeatedly claimed that those targeted were drug traffickers, though no supporting evidence has been publicly presented.

The growing US military footprint in the region has triggered concern across Latin America, particularly among leaders wary of sovereignty violations and potential civilian harm.