WASHINGTON, DC - The Trump Administration is reportedly considering the use of drone strikes to combat Mexican Drug Cartels, now designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, conducting drug and human smuggling operations across the border between the U.S. and Mexico.
According to reporting from NBC News, six “current and former U.S. military, law enforcement and intelligence officials with knowledge of the matter” have alleged that discussions are underway between White House, Defense Department and intelligence officials within the Trump Administration which have included the prospect of the U.S. Military launching unilateral covert-strikes without the knowledge or approval of the Mexican government, and indeed in defiance of public statements by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Following the initial report by NBC, Sheinbaum held a press conference and told reporters, "We reject any form of intervention or interference. That’s been very clear, Mexico coordinates and collaborates, but does not subordinate itself. There is no interference, nor will there be," she said, per a translated transcript provided by the Mexican Embassy to the United States.
"While this idea hasn’t been formally proposed, we’ve made it clear that it wouldn’t address the root of the issue. What truly works is ongoing attention to root causes, arrests driven by intelligence and investigation, coordination, and zero tolerance for impunity. We categorically reject any such actions, and we don’t believe they will happen. There is a strong, ongoing dialogue on security and many other matters."
One of the anonymous sources, said to be a senior Drug Enforcement Administration official during the Biden Administration, told NBC that under President Donald Trump, U.S. authorities have pressured Mexico to assume a much tougher stance than his Democrat predecessor after what the source described as “handwringing” under former President Joe Biden. The source told NBC that he believes fear of economic reprisals from Trump could move Mexico to accept military intervention.
“Politics aside, Trump is not f------ around with this stuff,” he told the outlet.
Should such a unilateral military intervention play out, it would represent the first such action undertaken by a U.S. government since the occupation of Veracruz during the Mexican Revolution in 1914.
The move would also align with the remilitarization of the Mexican border in California, Arizona, and New Mexico, announced last week, which resembles the U.S. Army's Mexican Expedition in 1916-17. Also known as the 'Pancho Villa Expedition,' under President Woodrow Wilson, the border became fortified, and 10,000 U.S. Troops entered Mexico to hunt down outlaw revolutionary Pancho Villa following his attack on American border towns.
According to reporting from NBC News, six “current and former U.S. military, law enforcement and intelligence officials with knowledge of the matter” have alleged that discussions are underway between White House, Defense Department and intelligence officials within the Trump Administration which have included the prospect of the U.S. Military launching unilateral covert-strikes without the knowledge or approval of the Mexican government, and indeed in defiance of public statements by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Following the initial report by NBC, Sheinbaum held a press conference and told reporters, "We reject any form of intervention or interference. That’s been very clear, Mexico coordinates and collaborates, but does not subordinate itself. There is no interference, nor will there be," she said, per a translated transcript provided by the Mexican Embassy to the United States.
🚨#LaMañanera 📰 Claudia Sheinbaum rechazó cualquier intento de EE.UU. por atacar a cárteles con drones en México.
— Azucena Uresti (@azucenau) April 8, 2025
Dijo que esas acciones “no resolverían nada” y que la clave está en atender las causas y detener a líderes criminales. pic.twitter.com/vMQMr79TgQ
"While this idea hasn’t been formally proposed, we’ve made it clear that it wouldn’t address the root of the issue. What truly works is ongoing attention to root causes, arrests driven by intelligence and investigation, coordination, and zero tolerance for impunity. We categorically reject any such actions, and we don’t believe they will happen. There is a strong, ongoing dialogue on security and many other matters."
One of the anonymous sources, said to be a senior Drug Enforcement Administration official during the Biden Administration, told NBC that under President Donald Trump, U.S. authorities have pressured Mexico to assume a much tougher stance than his Democrat predecessor after what the source described as “handwringing” under former President Joe Biden. The source told NBC that he believes fear of economic reprisals from Trump could move Mexico to accept military intervention.
“Politics aside, Trump is not f------ around with this stuff,” he told the outlet.
Should such a unilateral military intervention play out, it would represent the first such action undertaken by a U.S. government since the occupation of Veracruz during the Mexican Revolution in 1914.
The move would also align with the remilitarization of the Mexican border in California, Arizona, and New Mexico, announced last week, which resembles the U.S. Army's Mexican Expedition in 1916-17. Also known as the 'Pancho Villa Expedition,' under President Woodrow Wilson, the border became fortified, and 10,000 U.S. Troops entered Mexico to hunt down outlaw revolutionary Pancho Villa following his attack on American border towns.
For corrections or revisions, click here.
The opinions reflected in this article are not necessarily the opinions of LET
Comments
2025-04-20T17:00-0400 | Comment by: Paul
Long overdue though their govt has may I say, more than looked the other way for years. A potential problem in attacking is injuring or killing a politician or more.
2025-04-20T17:39-0400 | Comment by: Laurence
Since Mexico steadfastly makes no effort to control the cartels, and allows millions of illegals to flood across our borders, the USA has no choice but to take definite action. If Mexico would do its duty, such action would not be necessary.