Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has repeatedly rejected any U.S. troop presence on Mexican soil to combat cartels, emphasizing sovereignty and limiting cooperation to intelligence sharing, extraditions, and training exercises. This stance aligns with strong domestic opposition and ongoing bilateral military forums that prioritize mutual respect for territory over unilateral action. Trader consensus reflects the absence of congressional war authorization, limited public support for escalation, and sustained diplomatic channels despite U.S. pressure and cartel designations. Realistic shifts could stem from a major cross-border attack attributed to cartels, abrupt policy reversal by either government, or unforeseen escalation in border violence before year-end.