The Trump administration has allegedly begun detailed planning and early training to send US troops and intelligence officers into Mexico to strike drug labs and cartel leaders, according to two current US officials and two former senior US officials.
The officials said the contemplated mission would place many of the US forces under Title 50 authority through the US intelligence community, involve participation by CIA officers, and rely mainly on drone strikes, some of which require operators on the ground to use effectively and safely.
If approved, officials plan to keep the operation secret and not publicize actions associated with it. They described the plan as a break from prior US practice in Mexico, where CIA, military and law enforcement teams have historically supported local units rather than taking direct action.
“The Trump administration is committed to utilizing an all-of-government approach to address the threats cartels pose to American citizens,” a senior administration official said.
Officials said the US preference is to coordinate with the Mexican government, but they have not ruled out operating without that coordination. The mission, unlike US actions in Venezuela, is not designed to undermine Mexico’s government.
Trump has acknowledged authorizing covert CIA action inside Venezuela and has said his administration could strike cartel targets on land there.
After an earlier report about potential drone strikes, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded at a news conference, saying they “reject any form of intervention or interference.”
“That’s been very clear, Mexico coordinates and collaborates, but does not subordinate itself,” she said, according to a translation provided by the Mexican Embassy to the US.
The planning comes after the State Department in February designated six Mexican drug cartels, as well as MS-13 and Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua, as foreign terrorist organizations, which the officials said confers broad espionage and covert action authorities.
Since early September, the administration has overseen a military campaign against boats near Venezuela that it says were destined to smuggle narcotics to the US, with the Pentagon reporting 15 strikes on 16 boats and 64 people killed, including members of Tren de Aragua.
Officials have not released names or other details, and the administration has provided no evidence supporting its allegations about the boats, their passengers, the cargo or the casualty figures.
Against that backdrop, Mexico under Sheinbaum has allowed expanded CIA surveillance flights that began during the prior U.S. administration, deployed 10,000 troops to the US border, increased fentanyl seizures, and extradited 55 senior cartel figures to the US, according to prior reporting cited by officials.
“I have great respect for the president, a woman that I think is a tremendous woman,” Trump said of Sheinbaum said last month. “She’s a very brave woman, but Mexico is run by the cartels.”
The administration has also intensified pressure on Venezuela’s leadership, accusing President Nicolás Maduro of cartel involvement and posting a $50 million reward for information leading to his arrest. Officials said deliberations continue over how aggressive to be in Mexico and what mix of intelligence and military assets would be used if the mission proceeds.
Information for this briefing was found via NBC News and the sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
