Trump Administration Weighs Drone Strikes on Mexican Cartels Amid Growing Cross-Border Tensions
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is actively considering launching drone strikes against Mexican drug cartels in an aggressive move to curb the trafficking of fentanyl and other narcotics across the southern border. According to six current and former U.S. military, intelligence, and law enforcement officials familiar with the matter, the White House is exploring unprecedented options to combat what it has labeled a national security threat.
Early-stage discussions within the White House, Pentagon, and intelligence agencies have included proposals for drone strikes targeting cartel leaders, vehicles, warehouses, and logistical networks. Officials emphasized that any military action would ideally be conducted in cooperation with the Mexican government. However, sources confirmed that unilateral strikes without Mexico’s consent have not been ruled out as a last-resort option.
While there has been no formal proposal submitted to Mexico, President Claudia Sheinbaum responded firmly to the circulating reports.
“We reject any form of intervention or interference,” Sheinbaum said in a press conference, emphasizing that Mexico “collaborates, but does not subordinate itself.” She asserted that addressing the root causes of drug trafficking, not military action, remains the most effective path forward.
Despite public denials, the U.S. military and CIA have significantly increased aerial surveillance over Mexican territory—with Sheinbaum’s administration approving the intelligence-gathering missions. The objective, according to officials, is to “build a target deck” for a potential military campaign aimed at disrupting cartel operations.
Possible Unilateral Action Sparks Concern
Tensions surrounding the possibility of U.S. military intervention on Mexican soil date back decades, with the last significant unilateral American military action occurring in 1914 in Vera Cruz. Arturo Sarukhán, former Mexican ambassador to the U.S., warned that such a move today would constitute a breach of international law and could severely damage bilateral relations.
“There is no doubt that unilateral military action inside Mexico would throw the U.S.-Mexico relationship into a tailspin,” Sarukhán stated.
According to former officials, the Trump administration’s open stance on using all tools available—including military force—has already altered Mexico’s posture. The administration’s pressure is seen as a factor behind Mexico’s recent increase in enforcement, including the deployment of 10,000 troops to the northern border and the extradition of nearly 30 suspected drug traffickers to the U.S.
A New Phase in a Long Fight
This potential shift marks a new chapter in the long and often controversial U.S. war on drugs. From 2006 to 2012, the “kingpin strategy” under President Felipe Calderón saw close cooperation between the two nations, with American forces training Mexican elite units and providing intelligence. Though initially hailed as successful, the strategy’s aftermath saw cartel fragmentation and increased violence.
The Trump administration, bolstered by the cartels’ recent designation as foreign terrorist organizations, now wields expanded legal authority for intelligence and covert operations. Acting DEA head Derek Maltz confirmed that this has opened doors to more aggressive action.
“We believe in strong partnerships,” Maltz said. “But at some point, it’s about the safety of our kids.”
In Phoenix, a key transit hub for fentanyl, DEA officials said cooperation with Mexico has significantly improved in recent months. “The gloves are off,” said DEA Special Agent Cheri Oz, predicting major results in the fight against fentanyl in the coming months.
Experts Urge Caution
Despite growing support in some government circles for military intervention, many experts caution against relying on drone strikes.
Vanda Felbab-Brown of the Brookings Institution argued that interrogating key cartel operatives and targeting money laundering operations would be more effective than military strikes. “Dropping bombs is seductive but accomplishes not very much and comes with enormous risk,” she said.
Critics note that cartel operations are often dispersed, using small-scale labs and smuggling methods that make them elusive targets. Mike Vigil, former DEA operations chief, stressed that most fentanyl smugglers are U.S. citizens, transporting small amounts that are difficult to detect and disrupt through military means.
“This is not a military problem,” Vigil said. “It’s more of a law enforcement challenge.”
Yet some former military officials believe that sustained pressure could force the cartels to back off fentanyl production altogether.
“Cartels aren’t ideologues. They’re businessmen,” one official noted. “If the cost of doing business becomes too high, they’ll find another way.”
As the Trump administration debates how far it is willing to go, one thing is clear: the U.S.-Mexico relationship is entering a critical phase—one where cooperation, sovereignty, and security hang in the balance.
Reference
Trump Administration Weighs Drone Strikes on Mexican Cartels Amid Growing Cross-Border Tensions