On the U.S.-Mexico border, tensions have escalated dramatically following recent violence involving suspected drug cartel gunmen. Earlier this week, these gunmen fired at U.S. Border Patrol agents on Fronton Island, Texas—an area notorious for cartel activity, effectively dubbed "Cartel Island." This incident highlights the growing urgency felt by U.S. authorities to address what they deem to be not merely criminal activity but acts of war against American law enforcement.
Under the leadership of Governor Greg Abbott, Texas has seized control of Fronton Island as part of Operation Lone Star, formally declaring it Texas territory as of November 2023. Following the clash, President Donald Trump, who has previously labelled Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, is calling for military intervention to tackle the challenges posed by these entities head-on.
Trump’s administration appears inclined to pursue aggressive strategies, including potential military operations within Mexico. These ideas he had floated back during his first term now seem relevant once more. The implication of such military action isn't unwarranted; the cartels have reportedly infiltrated vast areas of Mexican territory, with estimates indicating they control up to 40% of Mexico.
“The situation at our southern border has become untenable for our law enforcement personnel,” stated Representative Mike Waltz during his push for legislation aimed at empowering military action against the cartels. Waltz, who has experience as a Green Beret, signaled the urgent need for offensive operations, emphasizing the need for the U.S. to reclaim security at its border.
Historically, previous efforts to address the growing power of cartels, including attempts to designate them as terrorist organizations, had not gained traction under the Biden administration, which many critics argue adopted lax border policies. Now, under Trump’s renewed leadership, there exists the possibility of treating the cartels as the pressing national security threat they are perceived to be.
Trump's directive to designate the cartels as foreign terrorist organizations opens new avenues for military action, including potential airstrikes against cartel strongholds. The former President's military strategy echoes controversial ideas he introduced during his first term, where the notion of wielding missiles against key drug laboratories was dismissed as impractical by his aides at the time.
Despite this, Trump’s latest move follows his strategy which brought significant reductions to border crossings, disrupting the cartel's flow of income tied to migrant trafficking; the cartels retaliated violently, even allegedly issuing “green lights” for open fire against U.S. federal agents.
But can military intervention really succeed? According to insider reports from ABC News, cartel members show little apprehension about the U.S. military’s potential involvement because demand for drugs and human smuggling remains unwavering. “The demand is still there. The deal is already done. We can't do anything. Whatever they change there, we have to keep sending people,” remarked one cartel smuggler, indicating entrenched networks won't be easily dismantled.
Another cartel member commented on the ease with which weapons are procured, stating, “It is easy to find them [weapons]. They sell them in stores, and here in Mexico you don’t find it.” This reinforces the reality faced by law enforcement and military operatives alike, who find themselves up against well-armed factions wielding advanced weaponry.
Claudia Sheinbaum, the recently appointed governor known for her strong stance on sovereignty, made it clear she won’t allow for U.S. intervention on Mexican soil. She stated, “They are free to take action in their territory ... What we will defend is our sovereignty and our independence,” communicating her commitment to maintaining Mexican sovereignty over their territory and making it clear there will be no collaboration with U.S. military forces.
This response reflects the administration’s complicity with cartel activities, raising concerns over the effectiveness of any unilateral military actions proposed by the Trump administration. Former U.S. ambassador to Mexico, Christopher Landau, has previously indicated the complex interrelations between the Mexican government and drug trafficking organizations, which could be complicity at multiple tiers of governance.
Tensions continue to mount as the Biden administration’s previously enforced open border policies have left the nation grappling with the fallout of rampant cartel activity, and the prospect of directly engaging these territorial contending entities looms large. With every day, the idea of evaluating Mexico as more than just a partner but rather as a potential hostile entity gains traction. Actions following this framework could reshape how the U.S. enforces its border security strategy and the levels of military involvement internationally. How this conflict evolves remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: as threats intensify, so too must the response from the U.S.