Mexico promises "no invasion" in response to Trump's plan to target criminal cartels
In a recent development, President Donald Trump has reportedly signed a secret directive instructing the Pentagon to prepare military options targeting Latin American drug cartels, which have been designated as foreign terrorist organizations.
The directive, according to reports, provides an official basis for military operations at sea or on foreign soil against these cartels. However, it's important to note that the use of military force inside Mexico has been explicitly rejected by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Sheinbaum declared during her regular morning conference that there will be "no invasion of Mexico." She also emphasized that the United States and Mexico will continue to cooperate, rather than resorting to military intervention.
The Trump administration has designated several major cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, which supports more aggressive law enforcement and intelligence cooperation, including extradition of cartel members from Mexico to the U.S. for prosecution. Recently, Mexico transferred 26 high-ranking cartel figures to U.S. custody as part of this coordinated effort.
Despite the potential for military action, the Mexican President clarified that the executive order does not involve the participation of any military personnel or institutions in Mexico.
In summary, Trump has authorized the Pentagon to prepare military options against Latin American cartels labeled as terrorist organizations. While the directive includes possible military actions abroad, no imminent military deployment or invasion has occurred or been authorized publicly. Mexico rejects any U.S. military intervention on its soil but cooperates on intelligence sharing and law enforcement. Cartel leaders have been extradited to the U.S. under this policy as part of intensified enforcement.
As of August 2025, preparations and policy are in place, but no active U.S. military invasion of Mexico has taken place.
- The Trump administration's policy-and-legislation move to designate certain Latin American drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations has led to increased scrutiny in the general-news sphere, with the business world watching closely for potential war-and-conflicts implications.
- Despite the secrecy surrounding President Trump's military directive, the international community, especially politics in Mexico, has made it clear they wish to avoid war-and-conflicts by rejecting U.S. military intervention.
- In light of the signed directive, there's a growing debate among policy-and-legislation experts on the impact of military policies regarding Latin American cartels, particularly in terms of peacekeeping and economic stability.
