Mexico Rejects Intervention as Trump Targets Cartels

Following the US operation that resulted in the detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, President Trump accused Mexico of failing to curb drug trafficking and hinted at possible unilateral action. Mexico responded by firmly rejecting foreign intervention and reaffirming its commitment to cooperation without military involvement.

On Jan. 4, Trump said that illegal drugs were “pouring” into the United States through Mexico and warned that Washington “will have to do something” if the situation does not change. He described Mexican cartels as “very strong” and claimed Mexico must “get its act together.”

In an interview with Fox News, Trump said he had offered US military assistance to President Claudia Sheinbaum to combat organized crime. Sheinbaum publicly dismissed the proposal, reiterating Mexico’s long-standing position against external interference.

“As I have conveyed in conversations with President Trump, addressing the root causes of drug abuse is essential. We even agree that values, family support, education, and mass communication are indispensable tools for preventing drug use. Ultimately, it must be reaffirmed that the people of Mexico are in charge, and that our country is free, independent, and sovereign: cooperation yes, subordination or intervention no,” Sheinbaum concluded.

Mexico Rejects Interventionism, Calls for Cooperation in the Americas 

Sheinbaum has condemned the US operation in Venezuela, reaffirming Mexico’s position against interventionism. She highlighted that Latin American history shows foreign interference has never produced lasting democracy, prosperity, or stability. “Only the people of each nation have the right to determine their own future, control their resources, and define their system of government,” she said.

Sheinbaum emphasized that the principles of non-intervention and self-determination are enshrined in both the Mexican Constitution and the United Nations Charter, as well as in international law. “Sovereignty is neither optional nor negotiable and must always be respected without exception,” she added.

Sheinbaum urged the United States to adopt a cooperative approach rather than one based on unilateral action. She outlined five pillars for a renewed regional integration:

• Full respect for national sovereignty
   

• Productive investment to drive development
   

• Economic integration through shared supply chains
   

• Social well-being as a core component of growth
   

• Continuous dialogue among equals
   

“America does not belong to any doctrine or power; it belongs to its people,” Sheinbaum concluded.

Broader Regional, Gobal Warnings
Mexico was not the only country mentioned as Trump broadened his warnings in the aftermath of Maduro’s capture. The US president issued sharp remarks aimed at Colombia, Cuba, Greenland, and Iran, framing US action as part of a broader effort to reassert influence and security interests.

Trump accused Colombian President Gustavo Petro of enabling cocaine production and openly entertained the possibility of a future US operation in Colombia. Petro rejected the accusations, defended his government’s anti-drug efforts, and warned against external aggression, even as Colombia continues to face record cocaine output.

Cuba, a close ally of Venezuela, was described by Trump as a state that could collapse without military intervention due to the loss of Venezuelan oil revenues. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed criticism of Havana, calling the Cuban government unstable and vulnerable. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel responded by pledging continued resistance and solidarity with Venezuela.

Trump also renewed claims that the United States “needs” Greenland for national security reasons, citing Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic. Greenland’s prime minister rejected the remarks as unacceptable, emphasizing the territory’s democratic status and autonomy from US strategic ambitions.

Beyond the Western Hemisphere, Trump reiterated threats toward Iran, warning of severe consequences if authorities continue repressing protests or attempt to revive nuclear and missile programs. Iranian leaders responded by rejecting US pressure and vowing defiance.