U.S. Defense Secretary Warns Mexico of Potential Military Action Over Cartels

Pete Hegseth reportedly suggested unilateral U.S. action during a call with Mexican officials, sparking diplomatic tensions.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly told Mexican officials on January 31 that the U.S. military could take unilateral action if Mexico fails to address cartel activity and drug smuggling.
The remarks, interpreted as a potential threat of military strikes, left Mexican leaders shocked and angered, according to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal.
Hegseth emphasized the U.S. priority of safeguarding its southern border and reiterated that 'nothing is off the table' regarding actions against cartels.
The call comes as President Trump recently designated Mexican drug cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and threatened tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports over drug smuggling concerns.
Mexico has since extradited 29 cartel members to the U.S., a move seen as an effort to ease tensions and demonstrate progress on combating organized crime.