### U.S. Drones Operate in Mexico Under Official Request, Sheinbaum Confirms
On February 19, 2025, Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico, clarified that the use of U.S. drones in Mexican airspace by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) occurs at the request of the Mexican government. During a press conference at the National Palace, President Sheinbaum emphasized that the deployment of these unmanned aerial vehicles is legally sanctioned and part of an established cooperation framework between the two nations’ governments.
These drones, as reported by several news outlets, were ostensibly used by the U.S. government under President Donald Trump to gather intelligence on Mexican drug cartels, labeled as terrorist organizations. President Sheinbaum assured that these operations respect Mexican sovereignty and involve collaboration between Mexico’s Armed Forces and U.S. institutions.
She denounced recent media portrayals suggesting these operations undermine Mexican sovereignty, arguing that the reports were attempts to weaken her administration. She emphasized that cooperation with the U.S., always founded on mutual respect, has been ongoing for many years. The President reassured that transparency guides her administration and reiterated her commitment to upholding national sovereignty.
### Secondary Report: U.S. Intelligence Efforts Intensify Under Trump
According to CNN, the CIA informed U.S. Congress about the deployment of drones in Mexico as part of counter-terrorism missions. The MQ-9 Reaper drones, also known as Predator B, are being used to gather intelligence on drug cartels, though not for executing lethal attacks. The CIA’s operations in Mexico reportedly involve exchanging gathered intelligence with Mexican officials.
The MQ-9 Reaper drones are a product of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and have been operational since 2007. Known for their high surveillance capabilities, these drones are able to fly at altitudes of up to 15,000 meters undetected, with previous missions including border patrols managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
President Sheinbaum dismissed the media buzz around these operations as part of a campaign against her government, emphasizing that the sovereignty of Mexico remains non-negotiable. Meanwhile, the specifics of how these intelligence-sharing arrangements impact wider bilateral relations continue to unfold.