The United States is intensifying pressure on the Mexican government to permit U.S. military forces to conduct joint operations to dismantle fentanyl labs inside the country, according to American officials, marking a significant proposed expansion of the U.S. security role that Mexico has so far adamantly opposed. The push, renewed after the U.S. capture of Venezuela’s president earlier this month and involving the highest levels of the U.S. government, would see American Special Operations troops or CIA officers accompany Mexican soldiers on raids.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum reiterated her country’s firm rejection of the proposal, stating, “We always say that it is not necessary,” though she noted that after a phone call with President Trump, who “generally insists on the participation of U.S. forces,” the two leaders agreed to continue working together.