Trump’s Military Force Approval Against Drug Cartels
According to a report, former President Donald Trump stated he signed an order that secretly grants military force aimed at specific drug cartels in Latin America. These organizations had previously been labeled foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) by both Trump and the US State Department.
Trump’s action suggests he intends to leverage the military as a means to tackle what’s seen as a law enforcement issue, particularly to reduce the influx of fentanyl and other illicit substances.
The report references “sources familiar with the matter,” indicating that this order establishes a legal framework for direct military actions on high seas or foreign territories targeting these cartels.
Reports suggest that US military officials are already considering how to engage these groups, with individuals privy to the discussions speaking under anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the talks.
However, using military force against illegal trade raises several legal concerns. Questions arise about whether US troops operating outside of Congress-approved conflicts might be committing acts considered as “murder,” particularly if they harm civilians or suspected criminals who don’t pose an immediate threat.
It remains uncertain what legal assessments have been made by the White House, the Pentagon, or the State Department regarding these new directives, as well as whether the Department of Justice has offered any conclusive opinions on the legal implications.
The US already employs drones to monitor cartel activities and is increasing its intelligence operations in Mexico. Yet, this order may pave the way for drone strikes or the deployment of special operations forces to pursue cartel leaders in countries like Mexico and Venezuela.
This directive follows the US government’s designation of Venezuela’s Cartel de los Sales as a terrorist group, which is reportedly linked to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and various significant military and government figures.
Earlier this year, the US identified six Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, and the Trump administration has indicated it may impose tariffs on Mexico to compel stricter action against these groups. However, a significant challenge lies in the connections between Mexico’s political elite and these criminal organizations, who often provide them with protection.
A notable instance of cartel power occurred in 2019 when the Sinaloa Cartel overtook Culiacán in response to an operation targeting one of its leaders, leading then-President Andrés Manuel López Obrador to release the cartel boss to prevent further violence.
There’s an ongoing discussion regarding the potential effectiveness of using military force against certain cartels, with some suggesting it could lead to a significant improvement in Mexico’s situation.
Many have long speculated about the possibility of the US taking direct military action against Mexican drug cartels. Military drones, similar to those used in Afghanistan, could target cartel leaders and drug production facilities, similar to previous efforts against the Taliban. While direct US military actions without Mexico’s consent might create tensions with the Mexican government, some citizens appear to welcome the idea of US involvement in reclaiming their country.
Mexican cartels are now grouped with designated foreign terrorist organizations like al-Qaeda and ISIS. This classification could make it politically simpler for Trump to deploy troops to Mexico without requiring Congressional approval. This designation specifically impacts criminal organizations such as the Sinaloa Cartel, allowing the US government to freeze their assets, restrict travel, and impose penalties on leading cartel figures. When asked if he might send US troops into Mexico, Trump responded that it’s a possibility but suggested waiting to see how things unfold.
As of now, the details regarding how and when military force will be utilized against the designated drug cartels remain unclear.
