Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated she is unafraid of US President Donald Trump’s threats of mass deportations and military intervention against drug cartels, emphasizing her support from the Mexican people. She highlighted ongoing dialogue between the two governments and reaffirmed Mexico’s sovereignty, rejecting any foreign designation of cartels as terrorist organizations. Sheinbaum downplayed Trump’s claims of drug cartel control over Mexico, stating that her government does not support organized crime. In response to potential tariffs and other measures, Mexico deployed 10,000 National Guard troops to its northern border, ensuring collaboration with the US in security matters.
Mexico City:
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has stated that she is not intimidated by US President Donald Trump and his threats of widespread deportations, hefty trade tariffs, and military “intervention” aimed at addressing the drug cartels, thanks to the support of the Mexican populace.
In a press conference, when queried about her fears regarding Trump’s threats, Sheinbaum replied on Wednesday, “No. I have the backing of the people. When one possesses certainty and conviction, and understands one’s principles, why should one be afraid?”
She sought to reassure regarding Trump’s actions, pointing out that there is an ongoing dialogue between both governments, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The President emphasized that she would never permit any infringement on Mexico’s sovereignty, but “should it be violated, there is a nation ready to defend our homeland”.
Her comments followed Trump’s assertion that Mexico “is controlled by drug cartels,” criminal entities designated as terrorists by the US government.
Trump further alleged that Mexican authorities were “allowing millions of people” to cross into the US illegally while extending his “help” to curtail the immigration surge.
Delegations from both countries are set to convene in Washington this week to discuss the suspension of tariffs on Mexican exports and tactics for combating drug trafficking, especially the influx of fentanyl into the United States.
Sheinbaum reiterated that her administration does not support drug cartels or organized crime, stating, “What we advocate is sovereignty.”
She added that Mexico will not accept any “extraterritorial measures” stemming from the classification of cartels as terrorist organizations.
Earlier this month, Trump threatened and then postponed imposing 25 percent tariffs on Mexican imports, claiming they were intended to compel Mexico to take further steps against its drug cartels.
On his first day in office, Trump also mandated that certain Mexican drug cartels be designated as foreign terrorist organizations, with those designations anticipated soon.
In response to the tariff threat, Mexico deployed 10,000 National Guard troops to its northern border.
Mexico’s Defence Secretary Ricardo Trevilla commented last week on US military aircraft flights, stating they had not breached Mexican airspace, but he could not exclude the possibility that they were conducting surveillance as he was unaware of their activities.
Sheinbaum provided a more comprehensive explanation on Wednesday.
“These flights are part of the coordination… collaborations that have existed for many years, between the US government and the Mexican government,” Sheinbaum stated during her daily press conference.
“They occur whenever Mexico requests collaboration, in order to obtain information to address security issues.”
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