Over Three In Four Mexicans Reject Having U.S. Troops On The Ground: Poll

More than three in four Mexicans reject having U.S. troops on the country's ground as the Trump administration has been suggesting, according to a new poll.

The survey, conducted by local outlet El Financiero in January, revealed that 78% of respondents rejects the premise, with 21% supporting it.

Figures have climbed over the past year as U.S. President Donald Trump began actively suggesting the possibility of sending troops to the neighboring country to fight cartels. It stood at 62% in January 2025 and peaked at 80% in December of the past year.

Moreover, 76% would have the U.S. stay out of domestic issues, compared to 23% who would welcome greater collaboration with the country.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has highlighted the cooperation with the Trump administration when fighting cartels, but she has drawn a red line in allowing U.S. troops into Mexican territory.

She said that Trump again made the offer in a recent phone call, but she rejected it. She also said that organized crime can't be equated to terrorism and Mexico rejects any action that amounts to an intervention in the country.

She added that Trump recognized her administration's work in matters of security but noted that more can be done. "What's important is continue maintaining respect and collaboration," Sheinbaum added.

Elsewhere, the poll showed that 81% of respondents have a negative image of Trump, in contrast with 11% who either have a good or very good one.

In this context, a recent report noted that the Trump administration is pushing for its forces to accompany Mexican counterparts in raids on suspected fentanyl labs.

The New York Times detailed that the administration first made such a request since early last year but then dropped it. However, the topic has been brought back to the conversation following the capture of Venezuela's authoritarian leader Nicolas Maduro on January 3.

Elsewhere in the report, the NYT noted that officials have instead offered alternatives such as increased information sharing and for the U.S. to play a greater role inside command centers.

Mexican officials, the outlet added, are under pressure to reach an agreement, and some in the U.S. want to conduct drone strikes against suspected drug labs. However, fentanyl labs are difficult to find and destroy, and forces are still developing ways to do so.

Right now, the CIA is carrying secret drone flights over Mexico to identify possible locations. The intelligence is then given to Mexican forces, many of whom have been trained by U.S. counterparts to execute and conduct raids.

However, now Washington has proposed for forces to join the raids and provide support even if Mexican forces continue taking the lead and making key decisions.

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