US Special Forces Arrive in Mexico To Help Combat Drug Cartels

In a significant escalation of the joint U.S.-Mexico effort against drug cartels, an element of the U.S. Army’s 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) has been deployed to Mexico. This move comes at the behest of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and has received approval from the Mexican Senate. The mission aims to enhance the capabilities of the Mexican Marine Infantry in their ongoing battle against powerful drug trafficking organizations.

🚨BREAKING: Mexican Senate gives green light for U.S. Special Forces to enter Mexico and take on cartels which Trump has designated as “terrorist organizations.”
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— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) February 17, 2025

Mexican Senate Approves U.S. Military Training Mission

On February 12, 2025, the Mexican Senate’s Naval Ministry Commission authorized the entry of U.S. Special Forces into the country. The deployment, which commenced on February 17 and is scheduled to continue through March 30, involves 10 U.S. Army personnel. Their primary objective is to provide specialized training to the Mexican Navy’s Infantería de Marina (Marine Infantry) in both conventional and unconventional warfare tactics. The training sessions are being conducted at the Luis Carpizo naval facility in the state of Campeche.

Senator Alejandro Moreno Cárdenas, president of the Naval Ministry Commission, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating that it is a strategic move to bolster Mexico’s defense capabilities against the increasingly sophisticated operations of drug cartels.

Objectives of the Joint Training Operation

The deployment of U.S. Special Forces to Mexico serves multiple strategic purposes:

Enhancing Combat Proficiency: By sharing advanced combat techniques and intelligence-gathering methods, the U.S. aims to elevate the operational effectiveness of Mexican Marine units in their direct confrontations with cartel operatives.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations: This mission underscores a deepening partnership between the U.S. and Mexico, reflecting a shared commitment to addressing transnational threats posed by drug trafficking organizations.

Targeting Major Cartels: The training is particularly focused on strategies to dismantle prominent cartels, such as the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), both of which have been designated as foreign terrorist organizations by the U.S. government.

Political Support and Controversy

The decision to allow U.S. military personnel on Mexican soil has been met with a mix of support and criticism. National Action Party (PAN) Senator Lilly Téllez voiced strong approval during the Senate session, advocating for increased U.S. involvement in combating the cartels. She highlighted the urgency of addressing the escalating violence and the proliferation of fentanyl trafficking, which has had devastating effects on communities in both countries.

However, concerns about national sovereignty and the potential for unintended consequences have also been raised. Critics argue that while collaboration is essential, it must be balanced with respect for Mexico’s autonomy and legal frameworks.

Historical Context and Future Implications

This deployment is not the first instance of U.S. Special Forces collaborating with Mexican military units. Previous joint operations have yielded significant successes, such as the capture of high-profile cartel leaders. The current mission builds upon these past efforts, aiming for a more integrated and sustained approach to dismantling cartel networks.

The presence of U.S. Special Forces in Mexico signifies a pivotal moment in the bilateral fight against drug cartels. As both nations grapple with the complex challenges of drug trafficking and associated violence, this collaboration could set a precedent for future joint operations. The outcomes of this mission may well determine the trajectory of U.S.-Mexico security relations and the effectiveness of combined efforts to eradicate the pervasive influence of drug cartels in the region.