Trump Threatens US Action Against Mexican Drug Cartels After Boat Attacks
US President Donald Trump is currently considering military action against Mexican drug cartels. In remarks made on November 18, 2025, he indicated discussions with Mexican officials about potential intervention. The president stated, “Would I launch strikes in Mexico to stop drugs? It’s OK with me,” addressing reporters in the Oval Office.
Military Intervention on the Table
Trump’s statements suggest an expansion of US strikes against drug cartels in Mexico. He highlighted the severity of the drug crisis, stating, “We’re losing hundreds of thousands of people to drugs.” However, he did not specify the timeline or methods for any potential strikes.
Reactions from Mexico
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has expressed strong opposition to military actions on Mexican soil. Observers, such as Jeff Garmany, a Latin American studies professor, noted the legal and diplomatic barriers this proposal faces. Garmany stated, “There are several legal hurdles standing in the way,” emphasizing that international protocols may not be easily bypassed.
Background on US Strikes
Trump’s comments follow reports that the White House is preparing for early stages of a military operation in Mexico. This plan reportedly includes drone strikes targeting drug labs and cartel members. Trump emphasized, “We know every route. We know the addresses of every drug lord.” He classified the situation as “like a war” due to the high number of overdose deaths linked to drugs like heroin and fentanyl.
The Strength of Drug Cartels
Experts warn that military strikes could be ineffective against the well-established drug cartels in Mexico. Garmany noted, “Mexico’s cartels are some of the strongest and most organized criminal organizations in the world.” He characterized any military efforts as more of a public relations stunt than a comprehensive solution to a complex problem.
Current Military Actions
Since Trump’s return to office in January, he has utilized executive powers to designate several drug cartels as “foreign terrorist organizations.” This designation allows for military action without Congress’s approval. The Trump administration has conducted at least 20 strikes on drug smuggling boats in the Caribbean and Pacific regions since September, claiming at least 80 fatalities among those involved in drug trafficking.
The administration describes these operations as part of a “non-international armed conflict” aiming to combat “narcoterrorists” and “unlawful combatants.” This approach echoes strategies from the previous “war on terror,” aiming to justify military action against organized criminal networks.
