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In a bold diplomatic move, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has delivered a stark warning to Mexican officials regarding the ongoing crisis at the southern border, demonstrating the Trump administration’s aggressive approach to both domestic and international security challenges.
During a January 31 call with Mexican military leadership, just one week after his confirmation, Hegseth made it clear that the United States was prepared to take independent action against drug cartels if Mexico failed to increase its efforts to stop fentanyl trafficking and illegal migration into American territory.
“The Pentagon chief made the remark during a Jan. 31 call with top Mexican military officials, while urging them to address collusion between their country’s government and violent criminal organizations, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth privately warned Mexican officials that US military was prepared to take action against drug cartels: report https://t.co/hF2npNnn0f pic.twitter.com/zEXXX39iVX
— New York Post (@nypost) March 1, 2025
Mexican officials on the call were ‘shocked and angered’ by Hegseth’s comments, and were left with the impression that he was suggesting US military strikes could take place south of the border, according to the outlet.”
The official Pentagon statement following the conversation emphasized Hegseth’s primary focus on protecting American citizens and securing the southern border. The readout noted the importance of Mexican armed forces continuing their efforts to disrupt cartel activities threatening the United States, while also addressing illegal migration concerns.
🚨BREAKING: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announces that the U.S. Military can now perform special ops against Mexican cartels, following President Trump's designation of them as terrorist organizations.
“All options are on the table.” pic.twitter.com/rG3ulKs2x2
— Kash Patel 🇺🇸 News (@KashPatel_News) February 1, 2025
“The Secretary highlighted the importance of Mexico’s armed forces continuing to disrupt cartel activities that threaten the United States, and for Mexico to continue taking steps to curb illegal migration into the United States,” the readout continued. “In both calls, the Secretary and his Mexican counterparts reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation between our militaries.”
When questioned about potential military operations inside Mexico during a “Fox & Friends” appearance, following President Trump’s designation of criminal cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, Hegseth maintained a firm stance. “All options will be on the table,” he declared, coinciding with his conversation with Mexican military officials.
