Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has publicly denounced the United States’ recent air strikes in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, condemning them as violations of international law and threats to regional sovereignty. The strikes, part of Washington’s escalating anti-narcotics campaign, have drawn widespread criticism across Latin America for causing civilian casualties and potentially breaching international humanitarian standards.
During her morning press conference in Mexico City, Sheinbaum said, “Obviously, we do not agree. There are international laws on how to operate when dealing with alleged illegal drug or arms transport in international waters, and we have made this clear to the U.S. government — both privately and publicly.”
Her comments came after reports confirmed at least 37 people killed since the U.S. began its aerial offensive on September 2, 2025. The campaign, ordered by President Donald Trump, targets suspected drug-smuggling vessels, though Latin American governments have warned that some of those killed were fishermen and civilians.
U.S. pressure intensifies on Sheinbaum’s government
Sheinbaum’s administration has faced mounting economic and political pressure from Washington since Trump’s return to the White House in January. His second term has been marked by hardline immigration and trade policies aimed at curbing undocumented migration and fentanyl trafficking into the U.S.
Earlier this year, the Trump administration imposed 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian exports, accusing both countries of failing to control cross-border smuggling. Though the tariffs were briefly paused after concessions from Mexico — including the deployment of 10,000 National Guard troops along its northern border — they were reimposed in March, reigniting trade tensions.
In a social media post on Truth Social in July, Trump again threatened to raise tariffs to 30%, claiming Mexico had not done enough to dismantle cartels. “Mexico still has not stopped the cartels who are trying to turn all of North America into a narco-trafficking playground,” he wrote.
The U.S. Treasury Department also sanctioned several Mexican banks in June, accusing them of laundering cartel funds — a move that disrupted their access to international financial platforms. The institutions denied the allegations, calling the measures “politically motivated.”
Sheinbaum: “Sovereignty is not for sale”
Beyond trade tensions, fears of direct U.S. military involvement have grown. Trump’s declaration that he would classify Latin American drug cartels as “foreign terrorist organizations” has fueled speculation of potential incursions into Mexico.
In May, both Trump and Sheinbaum confirmed that the U.S. had offered to send troops into Mexican territory — an offer Sheinbaum firmly rejected. “Sovereignty is not for sale. Sovereignty is loved and defended,” she said.
When asked in August about reports that Trump had signed a classified order authorizing force against “foreign drug entities,” Sheinbaum reiterated that Mexico would not permit U.S. military operations on its soil: “We cooperate and collaborate, but there will be no invasion. That is absolutely ruled out.”
Despite those assurances, the ongoing U.S. air strikes in international waters have raised alarm in the region. Trump recently suggested that his administration was “prepared to expand operations by land,” telling reporters, “We will hit them very hard when they come in by land — and they haven’t experienced that yet.”
Regional backlash and humanitarian concerns
The strikes have provoked widespread outrage among Latin American governments. Colombia, Ecuador, and Trinidad and Tobago have all reported civilian casualties. Ecuador confirmed that one of the two survivors of a U.S. submarine strike had no criminal record, while Colombian President Gustavo Petro said a fisherman, Alejandro Carranza, was among those killed.
United Nations human rights officials have cautioned that the U.S. campaign could amount to extrajudicial killings, violating international humanitarian law and the sovereignty of Latin American nations.
Despite U.S. claims that the targets were “narcotics-carrying vessels,” no concrete evidence has been released to substantiate those allegations.
Balancing diplomacy and national pride
Analysts say Sheinbaum is navigating a precarious balancing act — maintaining economic cooperation with the U.S., Mexico’s largest trading partner, while asserting national independence and regional solidarity.
Trump has alternated between praising Sheinbaum as a “tremendous and brave woman” and accusing her government of being controlled by cartels. Yet Sheinbaum’s popularity at home remains high, particularly among Mexicans who view her resistance to U.S. pressure as a defense of national dignity.
Key Takeaways
- President Claudia Sheinbaum condemns U.S. air strikes as violations of international law.
- The U.S. campaign has killed at least 37 people, including alleged civilians.
- Trump’s administration has pressured Mexico with tariffs and financial sanctions.
- Sheinbaum insists: “Sovereignty is not for sale.”
- Regional leaders and the UN warn that U.S. strikes may breach international law.
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