United States military infiltration Initiative opposed by Mexico's President Sheinbaum during cartel struggles.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has reiterated that no U.S. military forces will be allowed to enter Mexico to fight drug cartels. This comes after reports suggesting the Trump administration had secretly signed a directive justifying potential military operations against cartels labeled as foreign terrorist organizations.
Sheinbaum clarified that the US is not going to come to Mexico with the military for this purpose. She added that allowing US military entry is not part of any agreement. Instead, Mexico's cooperation involves handing over cartel leaders to U.S. authorities for prosecution. In August 2025, 26 top cartel figures were extradited under a deal with the Trump administration, indicating collaboration through legal and judicial channels.
Since her election in 2024, Sheinbaum has intensified efforts against cartels, particularly the Sinaloa Cartel. Mexican authorities reported a significant drop in fentanyl seizures in July, a positive sign in the ongoing battle against these criminal organisations.
The groups offered to be combated include Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), Cartel de Sinaloa, Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion, Carteles Unidos, Cartel del Noreste, Cartel del Golfo, and La Nueva Familia Michoacana. These groups were designated as terrorist organisations by the Trump administration following an executive order signed on January 20.
Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) supports Trump's designation of cartels and has called for direct US action against them. However, unilateral military strikes against cartels could raise legal challenges, particularly if individuals are killed who do not pose an imminent threat or if the action lacks Congressional authorization.
The White House spokesperson, Anna Kelly, stated that President Trump's top priority is protecting the homeland, which is why he designated several cartels and gangs as foreign terrorist organizations. Despite the ongoing efforts, it is crucial to maintain diplomatic relations and respect for international law in the fight against these criminal organisations.
Sources: 1. Mexico extradites 26 top cartel figures to U.S. 2. Trump administration secretly directs Pentagon to prepare military actions against drug cartels 3. U.S.-Mexico cooperation on cartels: Legal and diplomatic challenges
- Despite the Trump administration's designation of certain drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, the Mexican President, Claudia Sheinbaum, has asserted that no U.S. military forces will be permitted to enter Mexico for fighting these cartels.
- In a stark contrast to potential military action, Mexico's cooperation with the U.S. primarily focuses on the extradition of cartel leaders for prosecution, as evidenced by the extradition of 26 top cartel figures in August 2025.
- Amidst the ongoing battle against crime and justice-related issues, it's crucial to maintain diplomatic relations and respect for international law, as noted by the White House spokesperson, Anna Kelly, emphasizing the importance of such strategies in the fight against these war-and-conflicts-related organizations.
