Donald Trump's administration is considering direct military operations against Mexican cartels on national soil, using drones and CIA agents, according to an NBC News report. These actions would expand anti-drug efforts in the region, though no final decision has been made. President Claudia Sheinbaum has stressed bilateral cooperation without subordination.
According to an NBC News report, the US government is evaluating a plan to conduct operations against facilities and leaders of Mexican cartels designated as terrorists. Sources include two active US officials and two former high officials with knowledge of the initiative. The deployment would involve surveillance and attack drones to eliminate drug labs and execute capos, along with CIA agents and special forces from the Joint Special Operations Command.
Some equipment requires ground operators for effective and safe use. Operations would fall under Title 50 authority, allowing covert actions outside the traditional military framework, with high secrecy similar to recent strikes on drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific. Training for troops and intelligence has begun, but the mission is not imminent, and high military commands along with the White House are discussing its scope.
In February, the Trump administration designated the cartels as terrorist organizations. Though Trump has praised Sheinbaum's cooperation on border operations, he has hinted at strikes without carrying them out. Sheinbaum has emphasized: “We want all international treaties to be respected and we do not agree with how these attacks are carried out.” A US official responded: “The Trump Government is committed to using a whole-of-government approach to address the threats posed by the cartels to American citizens.”
Mexico has extradited over 50 drug trafficking leaders to the United States, and the mission does not aim to undermine Sheinbaum's government, unlike potential operations in Venezuela.