Hegseth threatened Mexico with military action over cartels - WSJ

According to WSJ, the first phone call between US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and senior Mexican military officials, which took place on January 31, created tension between the two countries.

Austin warned Mexican officials that if Mexico does not take action against the alleged conspiracy between the country's government and drug cartels, the US could take unilateral military action. This statement shocked and outraged Mexican officials, who perceived it as a threat of military action on Mexican soil.

The US Department of Defense declined to comment on the call. However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the importance of continuing pressure on the Mexican armed forces to stop the activities of drug cartels that threaten US security.

Both phone calls between US and Mexican representatives confirmed the willingness to deepen bilateral military cooperation and continue the fight against illegal immigration.

It is also worth noting that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that her party has proposed constitutional amendments to strengthen the protection of sovereignty in response to the US designating some drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

This designation allows the US State Department to impose special sanctions and expands the ability to target individuals supporting these groups, as well as collect military intelligence.

While US lawmakers have repeatedly raised the issue of such recognition of the cartels, Mexico has opposed it, fearing it could lead to US military intervention and negatively affect the country’s reputation.

It is noted that constitutional changes are more common in Mexico than in the US, and Sheinbaum has already implemented 12 reforms since taking office on October 1, 2024.