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The Outlook for Trump's 'War' on Mexican Cartels

undefined and global security analyst
Caroline Hammer
global security analyst, Stratfor

Aug 8, 2025 | 15:32 GMT

DEA New York special agent in charge speaks to the press in New York City on Feb. 28, 2025, after the former leader of a brutal Mexican cartel, Rafael Caro Quintero, described by the White House as the world's ''most evil'' drug boss, pleaded not guilty to narcotics charges in New York.
The DEA New York special agent in charge speaks to reporters in New York City on Feb. 28, 2025, after the former leader of a brutal Mexican cartel, Rafael Caro Quintero, described by the White House as the world's ''most evil'' drug boss, pleaded not guilty to narcotics charges in New York.

(CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images)

Trump's offer of military support, the designation of cartels as terrorist groups in February, and repeated comments regarding their control of Mexico and threat to the United States leave the door open to unilateral U.S. military and/or covert action to directly combat the cartels. It is thus worth exploring what such operations might entail and their objectives, as well as their potential implications for both the United States and Mexico....

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