Mexico has requested evidence from the United States related to a cross-border shooting that allegedly targeted US security personnel. In a news conference on Monday, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that the US reported 'shots from the Mexican border.' Sheinbaum emphasized that Mexico has no evidence of shots being fired from its territory towards the US, and that the National Guard, Army, and Navy had not detected any such incidents.
The remarks came after US Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson posted on social media about the shooting, which reportedly occurred in Texas near the Mexican state of Tamaulipas in late September. Johnson indicated that the targets were members of the US Coast Guard and noted that the threat would be 'swiftly addressed.' He mentioned that the US Embassy in Mexico is coordinating with Mexican forces in the border area where the incident occurred, aiming to patrol both sides of the border and enhance security against criminal organizations.
Following the alleged shooting, approximately 500 US troops, along with helicopters, drones, and anti-drone equipment, have been deployed to the border. Mexico has also sent its own forces as part of a joint operation called Operation Mirror to secure the border area. Sheinbaum confirmed that the Mexican deployment aims to 'forestall any issues' that may arise.
Sheinbaum and Johnson have had ongoing disagreements regarding border security and national sovereignty. Johnson, who has served as ambassador since May 2025, has been critical of Sheinbaum's government in the context of the fight against cartels, while Sheinbaum has accused him of overstepping diplomatic norms. In June, Johnson criticized the Mexican government for politicizing the fight against cartels, to which Sheinbaum responded by asserting that ambassadors should respect the internal political affairs of their countries.
The relationship between the US and Mexico has been complicated by the Trump administration's approach to Latin America, which includes increased military involvement in the region under the premise of combating narcotics trafficking. Sheinbaum has expressed concerns that such military actions would violate Mexico's sovereignty. Additionally, Sheinbaum criticized Johnson for announcing the opening of an international police academy in Queretaro without her government's knowledge, highlighting the requirement for federal approval of foreign activities on Mexican soil.
Earlier this year, the Mexican constitution was tested when two CIA agents reportedly died in a car accident in Chihuahua, raising questions about their activities in the region. Sheinbaum stated that her government was not informed of any CIA operations and pledged to investigate the incident.