The government of Mexico has declared that the conditions are not met to allow the use of drones or armed aircraft on national territory, in response to Donald Trump's request to combat organized crime. Six cartels have been designated as terrorists for representing a threat to the security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.
Claudia Sheinbaum, the president of Mexico, has stated that she would not accept drone operations, both for political reasons and for the image of the government and her own popularity. The cartels included on the United States' blacklist as of February 20 are the Sinaloa Cartel, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, the United Cartels, the Northeast Cartel, the Gulf Cartel, and the new Michoacán Family, as well as the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13).
David Saucedo, a public security specialist, mentions that measures to freeze bank accounts and other financial assets would not significantly affect the cartels, but could stigmatize the Mexican government. The designation of cartels as terrorists could pressure Mexico and affect its international position.
Sheinbaum will need to seek collaboration with the Trump administration to effectively combat the cartels. Although Elon Musk mentioned the possibility of using drones against Mexican cartels, experts point out that this could cause significant collateral damage. The cartels are aware of surveillance by the CIA and the DEA, and have hideouts that make them difficult to detect from the air. Although possible, it is unlikely that U.S. armed forces will launch airstrikes against the Mexican cartels.
