The Trump administration is weighing the use of drone strikes against Mexican drug cartels, a significant escalation in the fight against narcotics trafficking at the southern border. The proposal, still under discussion, could involve targeting cartel leaders and supply networks inside Mexico with unmanned aerial vehicles, possibly with the Mexican government’s cooperation.
Sources familiar with the matter told NBC News that officials from the White House, Department of Defense, and intelligence agencies have been exploring the idea. The discussions follow increased surveillance flights over Mexico, conducted with approval from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
“They’re looking to build a target deck,” said one former official, suggesting targets could include cartel members, vehicles, warehouses, and infrastructure used for trafficking drugs like fentanyl.
Although the use of military force within Mexico would be unprecedented in modern history, the Trump administration has already taken steps to enable such action. President Trump has designated six major Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, expanding the legal authority for covert operations and targeted strikes.
Trump’s nominee for ambassador to Mexico, Ronald Johnson, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have both hinted at unilateral action if Mexico fails to act decisively. Their language—saying “all cards are on the table”—has been consistent with the administration’s harder stance on border security.
Supporters of the drone strike strategy argue that military pressure could disrupt cartel operations and slow the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. Critics warn that such action could violate international law, destabilize U.S.-Mexico relations, and inflame anti-American sentiment.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has signaled openness to working with U.S. agencies on security issues, including granting permission for CIA surveillance flights. However, she strongly rejected the idea of U.S. military strikes without Mexico’s approval. “We categorically reject any such actions,” she said at a Tuesday press conference, emphasizing the need for cooperation based on arrests, intelligence, and judicial reform—not foreign intervention.
A former Mexican ambassador to the U.S. called any unilateral military strike “a nosedive” for bilateral relations. The last time such action was seriously considered was in 1914.
Despite the risks, some U.S. officials believe that Trump’s uncompromising posture may compel Mexico to cooperate more forcefully than under previous administrations. One former senior DEA official noted, “Trump is not f*cking around with this stuff,” and suggested economic pressure could be used if Mexico resists.
The internal debate continues, but with cartels now legally labeled as terrorist organizations, the administration has cleared a path for possible future military operations if diplomatic efforts fail.
