Mexico has issued a sharp public rebuke of the U.S. military operation in Venezuela while quietly reinforcing security cooperation with Washington, as President Donald Trump’s latest remarks revive fears of potential U.S. action closer to home.
The response highlights the delicate diplomatic path Mexico is navigating under Trump’s second term: opposing U.S. intervention abroad without provoking retaliation, particularly after Trump suggested that Mexico itself could become a future target.
The tension escalated over the weekend after U.S. special forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife at their residence. Hours later, Trump raised the possibility of U.S. military action inside Mexico, claiming drug cartels were “running” the country and adding that “something is gonna have to be done with Mexico.”
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum responded forcefully on Monday. Opening her daily morning briefing, she read from a prepared statement outlining Mexico’s official position on Venezuela.
“We categorically reject intervention in the internal affairs of other countries,” Sheinbaum said. “The history of Latin America is clear and compelling: intervention has never brought democracy, never generated well-being, nor lasting stability.”
The remarks marked one of Sheinbaum’s strongest public criticisms of Washington since Trump returned to office and stood out as one of the most direct condemnations in the region following Maduro’s removal.
Analysts said the unusually firm tone reflected Mexico’s determination to deter any suggestion of unilateral U.S. action against criminal groups operating on its territory.
U.S. authorities have long accused Maduro of leading a narco-terrorism network. The Justice Department charged him with drug trafficking, terrorism, and weapons offenses. Maduro pleaded not guilty during an appearance in a New York court on Monday, where he described himself as “a prisoner of war.”
Security specialists said Mexico’s leadership interpreted the Venezuela operation as a warning shot.
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“Sheinbaum’s message was meant to draw a clear red line,” said one regional security analyst, noting that Mexico wants to avoid becoming the next arena for U.S. military intervention.
Despite the public condemnation, Mexican officials and analysts said Mexico City is expected to expand cooperation with Washington on security matters, particularly against organized crime.
Officials believe closer coordination could reduce the risk of unilateral U.S. action. That includes intelligence sharing, joint enforcement efforts, and stronger domestic operations against cartels.
“Increasing joint security cooperation and strengthening Mexico’s own fight against the cartels will be key to avoiding unilateral U.S. military intervention,” said a Mexican security official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
