President Claudia Sheinbaum said Mexico will not permit joint security operations with the United States following a meeting with Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin [1].
This stance underscores a critical tension in North American diplomacy, as Mexico seeks to maintain national sovereignty while managing shared security challenges and migration pressures along its northern border.
During her remarks on May 22, 2026 [2], Sheinbaum said that while the two nations will continue to work together, the relationship must remain balanced. She said it was very clear there is collaboration between Mexico and the U.S., but there is no subordination [1].
The president addressed the nature of tactical cooperation. "Mexico does not admit joint operations with the United States," Sheinbaum said [3]. This rejection of joint operational control serves as a boundary for how security forces from both nations may interact within Mexican territory.
Despite the disagreement over joint operations, Sheinbaum said that diplomatic channels remain open. She said a follow-up bilateral meeting is scheduled for June 2026 [1] to further discuss security and cooperation strategies.
The meeting with Secretary Mullin was intended to clarify Mexico's position on security cooperation. By emphasizing respect for sovereignty, the administration aims to prevent the perception that Mexican security forces are acting under the direction of U.S. officials [3].
“"Mexico does not admit joint operations with the United States."”
The insistence on 'collaboration over subordination' reflects a long-standing Mexican diplomatic priority to resist foreign military or police intervention. By explicitly rejecting joint operations while scheduling a June follow-up, Sheinbaum is attempting to signal a willingness to cooperate on intelligence and logistics without granting the US operational authority on Mexican soil.
