Mexican Senate Approves 255 Troops for U.S. Training and Caribbean Exercise

Overview

• The Senate authorized three deployments totaling 255 service members for U.S. special-operations training and the TRADEWINDS 2026 drill in Antigua and Barbuda.
• The approvals cover 60 Navy personnel for SOF 33 at Camp Shelby from August 1 to September 26, 120 Navy personnel for TRADEWINDS scheduled for June 3 to 17, and 75 Army personnel for SOF 28 from August 3 to September 25.
• Deployed units may travel with tactical gear and their standard weapons, though no ammunition is allowed.
• The Navy's 120-member group will sail on patrol ship ARM Tabasco from Coatzacoalcos on May 25, arrive June 1, depart June 18, and return June 26.
• Votes passed by large margins with three abstentions for each item, consistent with the constitutional rule that any troop movement abroad requires Senate approval.