DEA’s Mexico Cartel Strike Plan Met White House Pushback

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Officials from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) proposed military attacks against drug cartels in Mexico earlier this year, a move that generated alarm at the White House and the Pentagon, according to a report by The Washington Post.

The report indicates that the DEA suggested targeted killings of criminal leaders and strikes against infrastructure on Mexican soil. The agency argued that the designation of cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs)—a measure enacted during Donald Trump's administration that included the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG)—opened the door for such military operations.

However, officials from the White House and the Pentagon countered that this classification does not grant legal authority for the use of armed force. They further warned that a potential operation could result in the deaths of American citizens.

"The fact that something is labeled a terrorist organization does not give you the authority to shoot at it," a source cited by The Post stated.

The discussions were characterized as "conceptual" and lacking a solid legal framework. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller coordinated interagency meetings on the topic, though officials from the DEA were ultimately clarified on the legal limits of the cartels' terrorist group designation.

Some officials suggested reinforcing the presence of the U.S. Coast Guard and Navy in international waters to intercept vessels, under the authority of Title 14 of U.S. law, as an alternative to armed operations within Mexico.

Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers are analyzing a draft initiative that would expressly authorize Donald Trump to use military force against cartels, under the premise of combating "narco-terrorism." The draft consulted by The Post would allow the president to order actions against nations, organizations, or individuals linked to drug trafficking with components of violence or threats to national security.

The newspaper noted that, although this legislation has not been approved, attacks were executed this month against boats from Venezuela with alleged drugs, evidencing the administration's willingness to use lethal force.

Derek S. Maltz, the DEA's interim administrator during the initial conversations, acknowledged the collaboration of the Mexican government led by Claudia Sheinbaum, whom he thanked for relevant arrests and seizures against cartels, though he maintained that "much more must be done."

The DEA declined to comment on "alleged internal deliberations." From Mexico, a spokesperson for Sheinbaum referred questions to her previous statements, in which she has reiterated the need for respect for national sovereignty, a proposal for a constitutional amendment against external interference, and the deployment of 10,000 Mexican soldiers near the border with the United States to reinforce security.