The Trump administration is reportedly planning a new mission involving U.S. troops and intelligence officers operating inside Mexico to target drug cartels. Early training for this potential operation, including ground operations, has commenced, although a deployment is not imminent. The mission would involve drone strikes and operate under the authority of the U.S. intelligence community, potentially circumventing direct coordination with the Mexican government. This shift represents a departure from previous administrations’ support roles and could escalate the military campaign against cartels in the Western Hemisphere.
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President Claudia Sheinbaum, the first woman to lead Mexico’s independence celebrations in over two centuries, delivered a strong message emphasizing national sovereignty. During the traditional “grito” ceremony and a subsequent military parade, she declared that Mexico would not accept foreign intervention or interference. These statements come amidst ongoing negotiations with the United States regarding drug cartels and border security, where the U.S. has sought increased action. Sheinbaum has rejected the idea of U.S. troops and maintained that Mexico’s actions against cartels are driven by national interests, despite pressure from the U.S.
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Violence erupted in Mexico’s senate following a heated discussion concerning the presence of foreign troops. Opposition leader Alejandro “Alito” Moreno initiated a physical altercation with senate president Gerardo Fernández Noroña, escalating to include shoving and grabbing. The incident unfolded after a contentious debate where the ruling party accused the opposition of inviting US military intervention, a claim the opposition denied. In response to the violence, the senate leader plans to propose expelling Moreno and other lawmakers and has filed a criminal complaint.
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The recent murder of Ernesto Barajas, a musician known for singing about drug lords, highlights the ongoing violence related to Mexico’s drug cartels. This incident is part of a broader trend of violence targeting performers of “narco-corridos,” a musical genre that glorifies drug cartels. In response, the Trump administration has been taking action, including revoking visas of musicians and sanctioning those with alleged ties to cartels. These actions could be interpreted as a push for additional military aid to Mexico.
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Jil McIntosh is a seasoned freelance writer with over 35 years of experience, currently contributing to Driving.ca since 2016. Her expertise spans new-vehicle reviews, automotive technology, and a passion for antique cars, with a specialization in “How It Works” columns. McIntosh is a voting member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) and a juror for the Women’s World Car of the Year Awards. Throughout her career, she has written for numerous publications and has received several accolades, including the AJAC Journalist of the Year award in 2016.
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A recent report released by Mexico’s national statistics agency revealed that former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s welfare policies significantly reduced poverty. During his six-year term, the number of Mexicans living below the poverty line decreased by 13.4 million, a nearly 26% reduction, and extreme poverty also declined. These achievements were largely due to initiatives like increased minimum wage and cash transfers for the elderly and other vulnerable groups. However, the report also highlighted a substantial increase in the number of people without access to healthcare, indicating that despite progress, challenges remain.
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The FBI has returned a valuable manuscript page signed by Hernán Cortés to Mexico, nearly five centuries after its creation and decades after its theft. The document details logistics related to Cortés’s journey to New Spain, a territory vital to Mexico’s history, and dates back to 1527, a significant year for the formation of royal and religious institutions. Originally stored in Mexico’s national archives, the page was discovered missing in 1993, with the FBI’s art crime team later locating it in the United States. This marks the second Cortés document returned by the FBI to Mexico, highlighting its commitment to protecting cultural property.
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Senior administration officials have affirmed that the threat of a military strike on Mexico is not a negotiation tactic but rather a serious consideration contingent on significant changes. Trump and Republican leaders have previously expressed interest in invading Mexico, primarily due to concerns about fentanyl and drug trafficking. Despite this, Mexico has shown resistance, with President Sheinbaum rejecting the idea of U.S. troops entering the country. However, Mexico did recently extradite numerous alleged cartel members to the United States.
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According to administration sources, President Trump has authorized the Pentagon to use military force against Latin American drug cartels designated as terrorist organizations. This directive comes amid heightened tensions with Mexico, with officials suggesting a strike is imminent unless significant changes occur. Despite Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s rejection of U.S. military intervention, Mexico has extradited alleged cartel members to the United States. Experts suggest that the new directive is not limited to Mexican cartels, with increased surveillance and potential for drone strikes.
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President Trump has reportedly directed the Pentagon to explore the use of military force against Latin American drug cartels, potentially escalating U.S. involvement in the region. While details are limited, the order provides a basis for direct military operations, prompting swift condemnation from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who stated that U.S. troop entry is “absolutely ruled out.” This move follows the designation of certain cartels as global terrorist organizations, granting the administration new legal authorities. Experts caution that such military intervention carries significant risks, potentially exacerbating unrest and further destabilizing the region, with potential ties to regime change goals.
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John Q. Hosedrinker