Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum downplayed a Rolling Stone report detailing a potential “soft invasion” of Mexico by the incoming Trump administration, characterizing it as unrealistic. The report alleges plans for U.S. special forces operations targeting Mexican cartels, including assassinations and airstrikes, with support from several Trump appointees. Sheinbaum asserted Mexico’s sovereignty, while figures like Pete Hegseth and Marco Rubio voiced support for military intervention, albeit with caveats regarding cooperation with the Mexican government. However, experts warn such actions could inadvertently strengthen cartels and destabilize the region.
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President-elect Trump’s reported plans to combat Mexican drug cartels, developed since early 2023, are gaining traction among even mainstream Republicans. Proposals range from covert special forces operations targeting cartel leadership to more overt actions like drone strikes and airstrikes. Key Trump nominees, including Hegseth and Rubio, publicly support military intervention. The plans, discussed with multiple Republican advisors, represent a spectrum of military force, from targeted assassinations to cyber warfare.
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Donald Trump’s incoming administration is actively debating the extent of military intervention in Mexico to combat drug cartels, a policy gaining traction within the Republican party. Proposed actions range from covert special forces operations to airstrikes and cyber warfare, with the ultimate goal of disrupting cartel activities. Key figures within Trump’s circle, including his selections for Secretary of Defense and National Security Advisor, publicly support this approach. The plan hinges on a potential ultimatum to the Mexican government; failure to curb fentanyl trafficking could trigger US military action.
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A rear admiral in the Mexican navy was shot and killed in Manzanillo, a key port city on the Pacific coast. This marks one of the highest-ranking military officers slain in Mexico in a decade, with the last such incident occurring in 2013 when a vice admiral was killed in Michoacan. While attacks on high-ranking officers are relatively rare, the Mexican government has increasingly entrusted the navy, army, and National Guard with law enforcement duties, placing them at the forefront of the fight against drug cartels. Manzanillo’s strategic location for drug smuggling, with direct shipments from Asia, makes it a highly valuable target for cartels seeking to import precursor chemicals for fentanyl production.
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Authorities in Houston conducted a major raid on nine nightclubs and bars, leading to the rescue of at least 50 alleged victims of sex trafficking. This operation, which involved the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), FBI, and local police, is believed to be the largest sex trafficking bust in Texas history. The investigation, spanning a decade, revealed that a drug cartel was allegedly operating these businesses, forcing women into sex acts. The TABC has filed emergency orders to shut down the businesses for 90 days.
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Claudia Sheinbaum is sworn in as Mexico’s first female president. It’s a historic moment for the country, as she breaks the glass ceiling in a male-dominated political landscape. However, as I scroll through various comments and opinions online, I can’t help but notice the overwhelming skepticism and doubt surrounding her presidency.
Many seem to believe that she will be just as corrupt as the male presidents who came before her. Questions about her ties to cartels and accusations of being a puppet for Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, also known as AMLO, are prevalent. The idea that she may not bring about any real change or that her leadership may not be genuine is a common sentiment among critics.… Continue reading
Mexico is on the brink of making a drastic change to its judicial system that has sent shockwaves of concern throughout the nation. This weekend, the country will amend its constitution to require all judges to be elected, a move that has drawn criticism and apprehension from many quarters. The implications of this decision are grave, considering the existing control that drug cartels have over various regions of Mexico.
The recent cancellation of Independence Day celebrations in Sinaloa due to cartel violence serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that Mexico faces in ensuring fair and unbiased elections for judges.… Continue reading
The recent news of the mayor-elect being pulled off a bus and assassinated near the resort city of Acapulco is truly alarming. This act of violence is not an isolated incident, as Mexico has been grappling with a high level of bloodshed for years. The fact that more than 450,000 people have been murdered in the past decade is a staggering number that highlights the extent of the issue.
Acapulco, once a playground for the rich and famous, has now lost its luster due to the violence that plagues the city. Foreign tourists have been spooked by the bloodshed, turning it into one of the world’s most violent cities.… Continue reading
The tragic news of the mayor being shot dead while at a restaurant with his 14-year-old son in Mexico is truly heartbreaking. As a parent, the thought of the trauma that poor child will have to live with for the rest of his life is gut-wrenching. No child should have to witness such terrible violence, especially at the hands of ruthless criminals.
It is distressing to think about the state of affairs in Mexico, where cartels seemingly hold more power and influence than the government itself. The fact that the cartels are integrated into Mexican society to such an extent that they have become de facto rulers is alarming.… Continue reading
As I read about Mexico’s president stating that he won’t fight drug cartels on US orders, calling it a ‘Mexico First’ policy, a wave of mixed emotions washes over me. On one hand, standing up for national sovereignty is crucial, as a country should have the autonomy to make decisions that are in its best interest. However, when this decision involves turning a blind eye to the rampant violence and terror caused by drug cartels within Mexico, it becomes difficult to understand the rationale behind such a policy.
The drug cartels in Mexico are not mere criminal organizations; they have evolved into entities that operate as mini-states within the country.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker