Mexico authorizes entry of 139 US troops for joint training in Chihuahua

The Mexican Senate has unanimously authorized the entry of 139 US military personnel for joint training exercises in the northern state of Chihuahua, according to authorities.

The troops will take part in activities at the Santa Gertrudis military base from Sept. 20 to 30.

The Senate said the exercises will strengthen military capabilities and improve cooperation between the two countries.

The US personnel from the Army's 101st Airborne Division will enter Mexico carrying weapons aboard a US Air Force aircraft.

The authorization was requested by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum under an urgent procedure and approved with 75 votes in favor.

It is the fourth authorization this year for US military personnel to enter Mexico for training and the largest contingent approved in 2026.

The exercises come as Mexico and the US have increased security cooperation, particularly on drug trafficking and organized crime.

Authorities have repeatedly stressed that security cooperation with Washington must respect the country's sovereignty. US forces cannot conduct unilateral operations on Mexican territory and require authorization from Mexico.

Sheinbaum has maintained that Mexico is willing to cooperate with the US on security issues while rejecting any form of unilateral intervention. Her government has sought to strengthen coordination on organized crime and drug trafficking through agreements between Mexican and US security agencies.

The exercises will take place 520 kilometers (323 miles) south of the US-Mexico border.

The deployment also follows tensions earlier this year about the presence of US intelligence personnel in Chihuahua, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding foreign security operations in Mexico.

Mexico and the US have continued to expand cooperation in areas including military training, intelligence sharing and border security.