Mexico rules out US military intervention in Mexican territory

MEXICO CITY -- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum held a phone conversation on Monday with US President Donald Trump, during which she ruled out any US military intervention in Mexican territory.

During her usual morning press conference, Sheinbaum said that the call was necessary amid recent international tensions and threats of military intervention by the United States, following US military actions in Venezuela, which Washington has claimed as efforts to combat organized crime and drug trafficking.

She described the approximately 15-minute conversation as "cordial," noting that Trump offered US support in combating drug cartels. However, Sheinbaum said such assistance was unnecessary.

"We told him that so far we are doing very well and that it is not necessary. Furthermore, there is Mexico's sovereignty and territorial integrity. And he understood," she said.

Asked by reporters whether the conversation fully ruled out any military action, Sheinbaum replied affirmatively, reiterating her commitment to defending national sovereignty.

The Mexican people should "know that their president will never negotiate sovereignty or territorial integrity, ever," she said. "We seek coordination without subordination, as equals."

Sheinbaum said she briefed Trump on Mexico's security results, including the dismantling of clandestine drug laboratories, arrests linked to organized crime, a 50-percent reduction in drug crossings into the United States, and a drop of more than 40 percent in drug-related deaths.

Regarding Venezuela, Sheinbaum reiterated Mexico's constitutional principle of non-intervention. "I told him very clearly that we had a Constitution and that the constitutional principles were very clear," she said.

She also announced that members of her cabinet will travel to Washington on Jan 23 to continue security coordination, and that another call with Trump is planned to discuss trade issues, including tariffs and preparations for the upcoming review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

"I am confident that the treaty review framework will be good. I am confident that it will be resolved this year," said Sheinbaum.

She emphasized that cooperation with the United States will continue within a framework of collaboration and coordination.

On Sunday, Mexican Foreign Minister Juan Ramon de la Fuente also spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with both sides agreeing to strengthen cooperation against illegal arms trafficking and organized crime, while respecting Mexico's sovereignty and territorial integrity.