US, Mexico in Talks Over Drone Strike Plans Against Cartels

President Donald Trump’s administration is considering the deployment of drone against drug cartels, in coordination with Mexican authorities, according to a report by NBC News. Citing active officials from the military, law enforcement, and intelligence communities, the report indicates that discussions are still in the preliminary stages.

“The administration has not yet made a final decision or outlined a definitive strategy to confront cartel-related violence,” the report states. Nonetheless, it notes that a unilateral covert operation, carried out without Mexico’s consent, remains a possible last-resort option.

President Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly rejected military intervention as an effective strategy to combat drug trafficking. “We have consistently stated our opposition to any form of foreign intervention or interference. We coordinate, but we do not subordinate,” she affirmed. Sheinbaum emphasized that such measures fail to offer real solutions. “What truly makes a difference is sustained work focused on addressing root causes and ensuring accountability with zero impunity,” she added.

Later that day, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt acknowledged the Mexican government’s efforts in fighting organized crime. “President Trump has been in direct contact with President Sheinbaum on a range of key issues, including the fight against drug cartels, illegal immigration, human trafficking, and narcotics smuggling at the southern border. She has taken meaningful action on these fronts,” Leavitt stated.

Trump Administration Labels Cartels as Terrorist Threats

On Feb. 20, the US State Department released a list of foreign terrorist organizations that includes the Sinaloa Cartel, Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), Northeast Cartel (Los Zetas' successor), Nueva Familia Michoacana, Cárteles Unidos, and the Gulf Cartel, along with transnational criminal groups like Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua and MS-13. While Canada adopted most of the US list, it notably excluded the Northeast Cartel. David McGuinty, Minister of Public Safety emphasized that Canada’s decision was made independently of the United States but reassured that authorities would continue evaluating emerging threats. He confirmed that Canada is strengthening its borders and using all available tools to ensure the safety of Canadians.