Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly warned Mexican officials last month that the U.S. military is prepared to take unilateral action against drug cartels if Mexico does not do more to curb the flow of fentanyl and illegal migrants into the United States.
According to a Wall Street Journal report, Hegseth made the statement during a Jan. 31 call with top Mexican military leaders, urging them to address collusion between government officials and violent criminal organizations.
The response from Mexican officials on the call was one of shock and frustration, as they reportedly interpreted Hegseth’s remarks as a suggestion that U.S. military strikes could occur on Mexican soil.
A Pentagon readout of the conversation, released earlier this month, stated that Hegseth emphasized his top priority:
"Safeguarding the United States and its citizens, including securing the southern border."
The readout continued:
"The Secretary highlighted the importance of Mexico’s armed forces continuing to disrupt cartel activities that threaten the United States, and for Mexico to take further steps to curb illegal migration."
Both sides reaffirmed a commitment to military cooperation, but tensions remain high.
Hegseth has previously refused to rule out military action against Mexican cartels.
"All options will be on the table," he said during a Fox & Friends interview when asked if U.S. forces could conduct operations inside Mexico.
His statement coincided with President Trump’s decision to classify Mexican drug cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations—a move that could pave the way for increased military action.
Hegseth acknowledged that any decision to strike cartels would ultimately rest with the president.
President Donald Trump, 78, issued another warning on Thursday, stating that the U.S. will proceed with 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada starting March 4 due to their failure to adequately combat drug smuggling.
“Drugs are still pouring into our Country from Mexico and Canada at very high and unacceptable levels,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
In response, Mexico announced the extradition of 29 cartel members to the U.S. on the same day, including the suspected killer of a DEA agent.
The Pentagon and the Mexican Embassy have not yet responded to media inquiries regarding these developments.
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