The Trump administration is reportedly drawing attack plans against cartels in Mexico, with officials warning that the president is serious about the possibility.
Quoting a senior administration official, Rolling Stone magazine reported on Friday that the development is "not a negotiating tactic," and that Trump "has been clear that a strike... is coming unless we see some big, major changes."
Speaking to the outlet, retired U.S. Army Judge Advocate Officer Geoffrey Corn, now the Director of the Center for Military Law and Policy at Texas Tech University School of Law, said the administration would need to "make a credible argument that the U.S. faces an armed attack."
He went on to say that since the administration has claimed that unlawful migration is actually an invasion, officials could consider drug smuggling an attack as well. "It is really easy to get the United States into a war and very hard to get us out," he said.
The outlet added that over the past months there have been several meetings on how to use the military for cartel operations, noting that Trump and top advisers have requested target lists for potential drone strikes.
Trump officials have hinted at escalating attacks against cartels, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claiming that forces are "observing" criminal organizations.
Speaking to Fox News' Laura Ingraham, Hegseth said fighting criminal organizations is a priority for the Trump administration. "We are observing them. We know a bit more about them than what they think. We've spent a long time watching them," he added.
Hegseth went on to say that cartels will be targeted based on Trump's orders, but avoided confirming whether sending troops into Mexico is under consideration.
"I can't reveal anything, but that's not what I'm saying," the official claimed when asked directly about a military incursion or a drone attack." "We're not standing with our arms crossed about this anymore."
Sheinbaum has publicly rejected the presence of U.S. troops in the country, saying last week that the possibility was "absolutely ruled out because we have made it clear in every call that such action is neither allowed nor part of any agreement."
Sheinbaum added that had been informed about Trump's executive order, but emphasized that "it had nothing to do with the participation of any military forces in Mexico." She went on to emphasize that any U.S. agencies currently operating in Mexico are under tight restrictions. "I believe we're the country with the most regulation for foreign agents, whether they're from the United States or elsewhere," she said.
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