On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that the Trump administration will not proceed with any unilateral military actions in Mexico, despite recent statements by President Donald Trump expressing his "pride" at the prospect of targeting drug facilities in Mexico and Colombia.
"We will not undertake unilateral action or send American forces into Mexico, but we can provide assistance with equipment, training, and intelligence sharing. There are many things we could do if requested, but they have to request it," Rubio stated in an audio clip shared on X (formerly Twitter) by the U.S. embassy in Mexico.
Rubio's remarks came in response to Trump's assertion that he would be willing to "attack within Mexico and Colombia" to curb drug trafficking into the United States. According to CNN, Trump said he would be "proud to do it" because, as he claimed, "they are killing our people."
The Republican president's declaration prompted an immediate reaction from the Mexican government. President Claudia Sheinbaum firmly rejected any possibility of foreign military intervention, emphasizing that bilateral cooperation should be founded on "respect for sovereignty and coordination without subordination."
"We can collaborate, and they can assist us with information, but we operate in our territory. We do not accept interventions from any foreign government," Sheinbaum stressed during her morning press briefing, as reported by EFE.
Rubio, who recently visited Mexico City, reiterated that security cooperation between the two nations "must remain bilateral and upon explicit request." He further emphasized that Washington is willing to enhance the training of Mexican forces and the exchange of intelligence against cartels.
The tensions between the two countries are occurring amid growing political pressure in Washington, where conservative factions are demanding a "stronger" response to drug trafficking. Since September, the U.S. military has destroyed vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific that the Pentagon claims were transporting drugs from South America, operations that have resulted in over 70 casualties labeled as "narcoterrorists."
As Trump maintains a belligerent stance, Rubio seeks to soften his statements and reaffirm that any U.S. action will ultimately depend on the consent of the Mexican government.
U.S.-Mexico Relations and Drug Trafficking
What did Marco Rubio clarify about U.S. military intervention in Mexico?
Marco Rubio clarified that the U.S. will not engage in unilateral military actions in Mexico and will only provide assistance if requested by the Mexican government.
How did President Claudia Sheinbaum respond to Trump's statements?
President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected any foreign military intervention, emphasizing cooperation based on respect for sovereignty and coordination without subordination.
What actions has the U.S. military taken against drug trafficking?
The U.S. military has destroyed vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific believed to be carrying drugs from South America, resulting in over 70 deaths classified as narcoterrorists.