U.S. plans covert troops and drones in Mexico to target cartels, pending decision.

The Trump administration is reportedly planning a covert mission to deploy U.S. troops and intelligence operatives in Mexico to target drug cartels, according to officials. The proposed operation, involving Joint Special Operations Command and potential drone strikes under Title 50 authority, aims to dismantle cartel leadership and drug labs—marking a departure from past advisory-only policies. While training is underway, no final decision has been made. Enabled by the U.S. labeling cartels as terrorist organizations, the plan has drawn resistance from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who insists on cooperation without foreign military intervention.