Trump considers invading Mexico to “fight cartels”, says NBC

The government of United States President Donald Trump has begun planning a possible military operation against drug cartels in Mexico, according to information released by broadcaster NBC this Monday (3). The action, according to sources cited in the report, may include ground attacks, although there is still no final decision on its execution.

The initial preparation stages would already be underway within the Department of Defense, with strategic studies on possible targets and routes of action. Sources interviewed by NBC stated that the plan is still in a preliminary phase and depends on direct authorization from the White House.

The issue reignites the debate about the use of US armed forces in foreign territory without Congressional approval, which would require justification of a direct threat to national security. To date, neither the Pentagon nor the Mexican government have officially commented on the matter.

The initiative comes amid increased domestic political pressure to combat the trafficking of fentanyl and other synthetic drugs, whose origin is often associated with Mexican criminal groups. Trump, who seeks to strengthen his discourse on security and border control, had already suggested in 2019 the possibility of designating Mexican cartels as “terrorist organizations”, which would open legal space for military actions.

According to security analysts consulted by NBC, an operation of this type would represent an unprecedented move in relations between the two countries and could generate strong diplomatic repercussions. Mexico has reiterated, on different occasions, that it will not allow foreign military interventions in its territory.

The broadcaster also highlighted that the plan would be one of several options evaluated by United States security advisors to contain the spread of drug trafficking and the increase in overdose deaths in the country. The US government’s assessment, according to the report, is that the fentanyl crisis has become a national security problem.

So far, the White House has not officially confirmed the existence of the planning mentioned by NBC, nor is there a public announcement about a possible military decision.