Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum firmly stated on Tuesday that she will not permit U.S. military action against drug cartels within Mexico. This announcement followed President Donald Trump’s indication that he would consider such strikes to combat drug trafficking into the United States. Meanwhile, tensions arose over a recent incident involving unauthorized U.S. signage placed on Mexican territory, raising questions about the international boundary.
U.S. Incursion at Playa Bagdad
An unusual occurrence took place on Monday, when several individuals in a boat arrived at Playa Bagdad in northeast Mexico. They erected signs that the U.S. Department of Defense had deemed as marking a restricted area. In response, Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Ministry indicated that their naval forces removed the signs due to concerns over their legitimacy and location.
- The signs displayed messages in both English and Spanish.
- They warned about unauthorized access and stated the area was controlled by the U.S. Department of Defense.
- The signs caused confusion among local witnesses and officials.
Response from U.S. Authorities
In a statement, the Pentagon confirmed that the signs were placed by contractors working on behalf of the U.S. government. They noted that alterations in water depth and geography had caused misconceptions regarding the international boundary. The Pentagon assured that moving forward, better coordination would be established to prevent similar incidents.
After this event, Mexico’s government contacted its consulate in Brownsville, Texas, as well as the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City. Throughout Tuesday’s press briefing, Sheinbaum mentioned that clarity on the border demarcation is necessary, particularly as the Rio Grande shifts its course.
Rejection of Trump’s Offer for Military Intervention
During her press conference, President Sheinbaum reiterated her rejection of Trump’s proposal for U.S. military intervention in Mexico to handle drug cartels. She emphasized that while collaboration with the U.S. for intelligence gathering is welcome, Mexico will maintain its sovereignty in addressing internal issues.
- Sheinbaum stated, “We do not accept any intervention by a foreign government.”
- She noted that she has communicated this stance directly to both Trump and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The context of discussion includes the ongoing sensitivities around cartels and Trump’s previous remarks about renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, which Mexico has also opposed. Sheinbaum’s strong stand against any foreign military intervention underscores her commitment to Mexico’s autonomy in its defense strategy.
