The Trump administration is preparing military operations in Mexico to combat drug cartels, considered foreign terrorist organizations.

The Trump administration has begun to plan military and intelligence operations on Mexican territory to target drug cartels, which the president has classified as foreign terrorist organizations. Personnel from the Joint Special Operations Command and the CIA are in the early stages of preparation for these missions, which are not immediate. Although a final decision has not been made, if authorized, these could mark a significant escalation of attacks against the cartels, including drones targeting drug labs.

In the past, the U.S. has supported Mexico without acting directly, but these missions could radically change the approach. The relationship with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum could be complicated, given that she has stated she will not allow unilateral actions by American military forces on Mexican territory. The administration claims it will use an integrated governmental approach to address the threats that the cartels pose to American citizens.