President Donald Trump has signed a directive authorizing the U.S. military to use force against Mexican drug cartels designated as terrorist organizations, administration officials confirmed. The move, which has alarmed Mexico’s government, marks the clearest sign yet that Trump is prepared to breach Mexico’s sovereignty to combat the fentanyl crisis. While the White House insists this is not an “invasion,” insiders say the Pentagon is already preparing target lists and operational plans.
Trump’s New Directive
Last week, Trump approved an order granting the Pentagon authority to strike cartel networks. A senior official told Rolling Stone: “It’s not a negotiating tactic. It’s not Art of the Deal. The president has been clear that a strike is coming unless we see some big, major changes.”
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Mexico Pushes Back
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum swiftly rejected the idea of U.S. forces operating inside her country. Still, days later, Mexico extradited 26 suspected cartel members to the U.S., including leaders of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Attorney General Pam Bondi hailed the transfer as part of “historic efforts to dismantle cartels and foreign terrorist organizations.”
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Escalating Threats
For years, Trump and Republicans have floated military action against cartels. As president-elect, Trump refused to rule out sending special operations forces into Mexico. In January, his administration formally labeled eight Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, a move that triggered sanctions but, experts note, does not legally justify armed strikes.
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Pentagon Preparations
Since Trump’s return to office, U.S. intelligence agencies have intensified surveillance flights along the border and over cartel hubs in Mexico. Sources say the Pentagon is assembling “target packages,” while Fort Bragg units, home to Delta Force and SEAL Team Six, are on standby. “If Trump decides to act, the target will likely be big and symbolic,” said former Army intelligence officer Stefano Ritondale.
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High-Value Targets
Analysts believe the most likely strike would target Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” leader of CJNG and one of the most wanted drug lords in the world. The U.S. has a $10 million bounty on his head. Another potential target is Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar, son of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán and a top figure in the Los Chapitos faction.
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Risks and Warnings
Experts caution that killing or capturing cartel leaders could spark more violence without halting drug flows. “No matter if you take someone off the street, there are countless guys behind them to take that spot,” said a U.S. border agent. Carolyn Gallaher, a professor at American University, warned that such strikes would fuel bloody succession battles without solving the fentanyl crisis.
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A Wider Campaign
Officials stress that Trump’s directive goes beyond Mexico, covering cartel networks across Latin America. Surveillance, cyber operations, and even potential drone strikes are being discussed. As one intelligence source put it, “Nobody’s missing the fact that the U.S. is circling overhead, watching every move.”