MEXICO CITY — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed Saturday that she rejected a proposal by U.S. President Donald Trump to deploy American troops in Mexico to assist in combating drug cartels, citing national sovereignty.

Speaking at a public event, Sheinbaum verified details published in a May 2 Wall Street Journal report, which revealed that Trump had suggested increased U.S. military involvement in Mexico’s war on drugs during recent private phone conversations.

“It’s true,” Sheinbaum said. “On some calls, he told me: ‘How can we help you fight drug trafficking? I propose that the United States Army enter to help you.’”

Sheinbaum said she firmly declined the offer, telling Trump: “No, President Trump, our territory is inalienable, sovereignty is inalienable. We can collaborate, we can work together, but with you in your territory and us in ours. We can share information, but we will never accept the presence of the United States Army on our territory.”

According to the Wall Street Journal, Trump made the proposal during a call on April 16, suggesting that U.S. forces could assist in confronting drug cartels operating within Mexico.

Sheinbaum’s comments come amid ongoing U.S.-Mexico tensions over the handling of cross-border drug trafficking and cartel violence. While both countries have historically shared intelligence and cooperated in limited security operations, the idea of deploying U.S. troops into Mexican territory has long been politically sensitive in Mexico due to sovereignty concerns and public opposition. — Agencies