The Trump administration is in the detailed planning stages of a new mission to strike drug cartels inside Mexico, according to NBC News. The operation would involve U.S. troops and intelligence officers, and while early training has reportedly begun, a deployment is not imminent. The outlet cited two current and two former U.S. officials for this information. All sources were anonymous.
A U.S. operation conducting direct action inside Mexico would mark a break from prior U.S. practice, which has typically limited assistance to advising and support for Mexican forces. Supporters say the goal is to disrupt fentanyl and other drug trafficking that kills tens of thousands of Americans; critics warn land operations could be seen as an act of war, according to Newsweek.
Download the SAN app today to stay up-to-date with Unbiased. Straight Facts™.
Point phone camera here
How would the mission work?
The mission would reportedly operate under Title 50, involving intelligence authorities like the CIA and U.S. troops, including many from Joint Special Operations Command, according to NBC News. While the plan centers on drone strikes against labs and cartel leaders, officials noted that some drone systems require ground operators for effective use. A senior administration official also characterized the strategy as an “all-of-government approach” to the threat.
What’s Mexico’s position?
After earlier reporting on possible U.S. strikes in Mexico, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said, “We reject any form of intervention or interference. That’s been very clear, Mexico coordinates and collaborates, but does not subordinate itself,” according to statements cited by NBC News.
NBC News reported the administration would prefer coordination with Mexico but has not ruled out operating without it.
What’s the broader context?
The administration has designated several Mexican cartels, as well as MS-13 and Tren de Aragua, as foreign terrorist organizations, expanding legal authorities for covert action. Since early September, U.S. forces have conducted 15 strikes on 16 boats near Venezuela, with officials stating 64 people were killed; the government has not released names or evidence regarding those killed, according to NBC News.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently said on X that the U.S. will “hunt them down and eliminate them wherever they operate.”
Officials told NBC News that discussions over scope and timing are ongoing, and that a deployment to Mexico is not imminent. Newsweek reported that it’s unclear whether Mexican officials would be notified in advance.
