The United States has intensified covert drone operations over Mexico aimed at locating fentanyl production facilities, as part of a more aggressive strategy against drug cartels initiated during the Trump administration, according to U.S. officials.
This undisclosed drone program reportedly commenced under the Biden administration, with U.S. officials indicating that it was a response to ongoing concerns about drug trafficking.
While President Trump and C.I.A. Director John Ratcliffe have advocated for stronger measures against Mexican drug cartels, the current drone flights are primarily focused on intelligence gathering rather than direct military action. The C.I.A. has not been authorized to conduct lethal operations, and information collected is shared with Mexican authorities.
The drone flights reportedly extend deep into Mexican airspace, raising concerns within the Mexican government, which has historically been cautious of U.S. military presence.
In response to U.S. concerns regarding fentanyl trafficking, the Mexican government has deployed 10,000 troops to the border. However, U.S. officials are urging Mexico to take more decisive action against fentanyl labs and to increase drug seizures.
The drones have been effective in detecting labs, as the chemicals used in fentanyl production are identifiable from the air. Despite this, the Mexican government has been slow to act on the intelligence provided by the U.S., although arrests have been made based on the information.
The surveillance flights have sparked unease in Mexico, which has a history of U.S. invasions. Concurrently, the U.S. military’s Northern Command is enhancing its border surveillance efforts without entering Mexican airspace, conducting numerous flights with various surveillance aircraft.
General Gregory M. Guillot of Northern Command stated that intelligence gathered is aimed at dismantling cartel networks involved in fentanyl production and distribution. This intelligence is shared with Mexican officials to assist in addressing cartel violence.
In response to inquiries about U.S. operations, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of national sovereignty and coordination without subordination.
President Trump has signed an executive order aimed at cracking down on major cartels, with plans to designate several as foreign terrorist organizations, which would enable the U.S. to impose economic sanctions. However, experts suggest that this designation may not significantly enhance existing sanctions.
The U.S. military’s Seventh Special Forces Group has initiated a training exercise in Mexico, part of ongoing defense cooperation between the two nations. Former officials anticipate an increase in military training with Mexican authorities in the near future.
Concerns have been raised regarding the potential for civilian casualties if airstrikes were conducted against fentanyl labs, which are often located in residential areas. The primary goal of the intelligence-sharing initiative is to disable these labs rather than to target cartel members directly.
If cooperation does not yield results in dismantling the labs, the Trump administration has indicated it may consider alternative actions, including cross-border raids against cartels.
As the Trump administration transitions, there are indications that it plans to utilize extensive counterterrorism resources to combat cartels within Mexico.
President Sheinbaum has faced scrutiny regarding the increased military flights, with officials asserting that these operations have not violated international law. She noted that such flights are part of ongoing dialogue and coordination between the U.S. and Mexico.
Trump has nominated Ronald Johnson, a former C.I.A. officer, as ambassador to Mexico, citing his experience in intelligence and military operations. Additionally, Joe Kent, a former Army Green Beret, has been appointed as director of the National Counterterrorism Center.