US defense secretary warns Mexico of action against drug cartels
What's the story
United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reportedly warned Mexican officials that the US military is prepared to take "unilateral action" against drug cartels.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Hegseth issued the warning during a January 31 call with top Mexican military officials.
Hegseth urged Mexico to address the collusion between its government and violent criminal organizations, prioritizing the protection of the United States and its southern border.
Reaction
Mexican officials react to Hegseth's warning
Mexican officials were reportedly shocked and furious at Hegseth's remarks, seeing them as a possible threat of US military strikes in Mexico.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon readout emphasized how Mexico's armed forces disrupting cartel activities threatening the US and curbing illegal migration was important.
Despite the friction, both sides reiterated their commitment to deepening bilateral military cooperation during the talks.
Stance
Hegseth's stance on military action against Mexican cartels
Notably, Hegseth had earlier said that "all options will be on the table" regarding US military action against Mexican drug cartels.
He made the comments during a Fox & Friends interview after President Trump ordered criminal cartels to be designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations.
He added that any decision on military action would ultimately be up to President Donald Trump, who has also threatened both Mexico and Canada with 25% tariffs on imports if they don't curb drug smuggling effectively.
Tariff threat
Trump's tariff threat and Mexico's response
President Trump has warned both Mexico and Canada of 25% tariffs on imports if they don't curb drug smuggling effectively.
He said drugs were entering the US from these countries at "very high and unacceptable levels."
On the same day of Trump's tariff threat, Mexico transferred 29 cartel members, including a suspect in a DEA agent's murder, to the US for prosecution.
Cartel designation
Mexican drug cartels designated as foreign terrorist organizations
Last month, President Trump had designated Mexican drug cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations through an executive order.
The Pentagon and the Mexican Embassy have not publicly responded on these developments.
Secretary Hegseth, along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Attorney General Pam Bondi, recently met with Mexican Secretary of Foreign Affairs Juan Ramon de la Fuente to discuss these issues further.