President Donald Trump reportedly signed a covert directive that authorizes the Pentagon to draft plans for military strikes against Latin American drug cartels designated as foreign terrorist organizations. The Pentagon is currently exploring options such as naval missile strikes and drone operations to target cartel infrastructure and leadership, though deploying U.S. ground troops is not part of the plan.
Major Drug Trafficking Groups Designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations
Earlier this year, the Trump administration officially reclassified several notorious cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. This list includes the Sinaloa Cartel, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel , the Gulf Cartel, Cártel del Noreste, and La Nueva Familia Michoacana. By labeling them as terrorist entities, the U.S. government gains expanded legal authority to use military force and intelligence resources typically reserved for counter-terrorism operations.
Administration officials argue that these cartels operate like insurgent armies, for instance, possessing military-grade weapons, in addition to controlling territory, and furthermore engaging in transnational organized crime that, as a result, threatens U.S. national security.
Mexico’s Government Rejects Any U.S. Military Presence on Its Soil
Mexico has responded swiftly and firmly to Washington’s new approach. President Claudia Sheinbaum made it clear that Mexico will not allow U.S. military forces to cross its borders, citing sovereignty concerns and the country’s constitutional limitations.
While Mexico has expressed willingness to share intelligence and coordinate law enforcement operations, Sheinbaum stressed that foreign military action inside Mexican territory would be “unacceptable.” Mexican officials fear such an intervention could ignite public unrest, complicate bilateral trade relations, and empower nationalist political movements.
U.S. Expands Sanctions and Rewards to Target Cartel Leadership
As part of its broader anti-narcotics campaign, the U.S. has imposed sweeping sanctions on cartel factions, including Los Chapitos, a group linked to the sons of imprisoned drug lord Joaquín El Chapo Guzmán. The sanctions freeze U.S.-based assets, block access to international banking systems, and prohibit American companies from doing business with these individuals.
In a parallel move, Washington announced a $50 million reward for information leading to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who U.S. authorities accuse of supporting and profiting from drug trafficking through networks such as Tren de Aragua and the Cartel de los Soles.
