Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum sought to reassure the public after two recent U.S. military-related movements near Mexico sparked concern: an FAA advisory over the eastern Pacific and images of a U.S. transport plane at Toluca airport. Mexico received written coordinates from the U.S. and was given assurances that no military flights would cross Mexican territory; officials called the Toluca stop a logistical training operation authorized by the Secretary of Defense. Both countries plan further security meetings Friday to strengthen cooperation against cartels and curb the flow of fentanyl and weapons.
Sheinbaum Reassures Public After U.S. Military Movements Near Mexico; Security Talks Planned
FILE - Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum speaks at the National Palace in Mexico City, Nov. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte, File)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum moved quickly on Monday to calm public concern after two recent U.S. military-related movements near Mexico prompted unease, coming amid heightened regional tensions following an attack in Venezuela earlier this month.
FAA Advisory and U.S. Coordinates
On Friday, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration issued an advisory asking U.S. aircraft operators to 'exercise caution' when flying over parts of the eastern Pacific near Mexico, Central America and portions of South America, citing unspecified 'military activities.' Mexican authorities said the U.S. government later supplied precise coordinates for its operations and issued a statement clarifying that the FAA advisory had no direct implications for Mexico.
Toluca Stop Raises Questions
Separately, images circulated on social media showing a U.S. military transport plane on the tarmac at Toluca International Airport, about 39 miles (63 kilometers) west of Mexico City. The image prompted questions from opposition lawmakers and the public because Mexico’s senate must ordinarily approve the deployment of foreign troops on Mexican soil or the sending of Mexican troops abroad.
Sheinbaum called the Toluca event a 'logistical' training operation that did not require Senate approval. 'The United States plane landed, public servants got on that plane and they went (to the U.S.) for training,' she said, adding that the Secretary of Defense authorized the movement.
Her security cabinet posted on X that such training activities 'occur in conformity with established protocols and in adherence to the bilateral collaboration agreements.'
Wider Context And Next Steps
Both episodes underscored sensitivities after the Trump administration’s unilateral operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro earlier this month and its subsequent offers and threats of direct military action against Mexican drug cartels. Mexico has repeatedly emphasized that it will not tolerate violations of its sovereignty.
Sheinbaum and U.S. officials, including President Trump, have continued dialogue on security cooperation. According to a joint statement released last Thursday, security officials from both countries are due to meet Friday to 'continue delivering tangible actions to strengthen security cooperation and meaningful outcomes to counter cartels, and stop the illicit flow of fentanyl and weapons across our shared border.'
Officials in Mexico say they sought written assurance from the U.S. that there would be no military flights over Mexican territory; the U.S. provided written coordinates for its operations. Opposition senators, including Sen. Clemente Castañeda of the Citizen Movement party, have requested formal explanations and transparency on any operations involving foreign military aircraft on Mexican soil.
The Mexican government says it will continue to pursue cooperation with the United States on security matters while defending national sovereignty and legal oversight procedures.
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