President Trump has escalated pressure on Mexican drug cartels by designating them as foreign terrorist organizations, laying the groundwork for potential U.S. military action. This designation has enabled surveillance flights over Mexico and the deployment of Navy warships off its coast. Intelligence and military coordination is increasing as the Trump administration explores targeted strikes to dismantle cartel operations responsible for the fentanyl crisis.
The Trump administration is reportedly weighing the use of armed drone strikes against cartel leaders, their enforcers, and production facilities, similar to U.S. operations against the Taliban. NBC News reported in April that six U.S. officials confirmed the administration is considering unilateral military action, though it prefers cooperation from Mexico. Acting DEA Administrator Derek Maltz stated the cartels have “killed more Americans than al-Qaeda and ISIS,” urging all options remain on the table.
Domestically, public support is growing. Mexican citizens near cartel-controlled zones are reportedly open to U.S. intervention. A businessman in Sonora estimated 70% of the population would welcome American involvement. Another resident from Sinaloa highlighted how cartel dominance has infiltrated daily life, stating it’s now “hopeless” to expect Mexico’s government to act.
Retired CBP and DHS intelligence agent Javier Rodarte emphasized the vulnerability of cartel members, describing how financial incentives and legal protections often prompt defections. “Offer a cartel member a small bit of cash, and they will turn on their mothers,” Rodarte said, referencing past efforts to dismantle criminal organizations through informant cooperation.
President Trump reinforced his stance in multiple public statements. On May 4, aboard Air Force One, he said he offered to assist Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum in combating the cartels, noting, “She’s so afraid of the cartels that she can’t even think straight.” In a March 4 address to Congress, Trump warned that the cartels now “exercise total control” of Mexico and are “waging war in America.”
In a February interview, Border Czar Tom Homan told Fox Business that military engagement may be unavoidable, citing potential threats like drone attacks on border agents. Homan compared the fight to the campaign against ISIS, praising Trump’s commitment to securing the southern border and declaring, “We will take action immediately.”
The foreign terrorist designation now allows the Trump administration to freeze assets, impose travel bans, and pursue cartel leadership with expanded legal authority. Whether U.S. troops enter Mexico remains uncertain, but the foundation has been laid.
