US Threatens Mexico With War Over Inaction On Cartels

1 March, 2025 Members of the Mexican Armed Forces. Photo credits: Shannon Stapleton / Associated Press During a conversation with Mexican leaders, U.S.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth threatened military action if the government does not start fighting drug cartels. This was reported by The Wall Street Journal. This statement somewhat deteriorated relations between the governments and created some tension due to the threat from the United States to the territorial integrity of Mexico.

Hegseth notes that if the necessary measures are not taken, the US Armed Forces will unilaterally start acting on their own.

US Marines on the border with Mexico. January 2025. United States of America.

Source: The White House

He also emphasizes that he does not tolerate the fact that the Mexican government is colluding with drug cartels, which is why some of their actions are only indicative and have no impact on the fight against drug cartels and their leaders. In addition, the Mexican authorities recently extradited 29 drug cartel members to the United States to face prosecution. According to the Journal, the exchange was made partly to appease Trump and after hints of possible unilateral action by the United States in Mexico.

During Hegseth's visit to Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, journalists asked him about the seriousness of his intentions, and he replied that the question was still relevant.

Pete Hegseth. Photo: AdMedia/Newscom/IMAGO

"We are not ruling out any options," he said. Earlier, Militarnyi reported that to combat migrants, the States had deployed 500 marines to the border with Mexico to support border guards.

Also, recently, a contingent of thousands of US troops was ordered to redeploy and deploy along the border with Mexico to strengthen the protection of the southern borders.

In addition, President Donald Trump, after a conversation with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, announced the postponement of tariffs on Mexican imports for a month in exchange for 10,000 Mexican troops to reinforce the border.