President Donald Trump warned that ground attacks against drug cartels could happen “anywhere”, including Mexico, Central America, and South America, as part of his offensive against the Drug trafficking. “We know their routes. We know everything about them. We know their homes. We know everything about them. We’re going to attack the cartels,” he declared in an exclusive interview with The New York Post. When asked if the attacks could extend to Mexican, Venezuelan, or Colombian territory, Trump responded, “It could be anywhere.” Pressure on Mexico and recent history. The threat comes after Trump’s constant pressure on the Mexican government to allow the entry of U.S. forces to support the fight against drug trafficking. However, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected any possibility of military attacks on her country. “I don’t believe in an invasion; I don’t even think it’s something they’re taking very seriously… We have categorically refused, first because we defend our sovereignty and second because it’s not necessary,” she stated. On January 21, Mexico extradited 37 prisoners to the United States linked to drug cartels, including leaders of the Beltran Leyva, Jalisco New Generation, and Northeast cartels, considered terrorists by Washington. US Attorney General Pam Bondi thanked the authorities for their cooperation and stated that these criminals would receive “swift and comprehensive justice.”

Trump's Results in Maritime Operations

Trump boasted of having eliminated 97% of drugs entering the country by sea, thanks to his offensive against drug-running boats in the Pacific and the Caribbean, and emphasized his intention to replicate that success on land. Recently, the US Southern Command destroyed a boat linked to drug trafficking in international waters of the Pacific, in an operation where two people died and one survived.This was at least the second attack since January 3rd and brings the total to more than 35 interventions against vessels since August 2025, with more than 110 deaths, generating international criticism for the use of force. The relationship between Trump and Sheinbaum has been tense: although the president expressed respect for the governor, he has insisted that Mexico is not doing enough to stop the cartels. Sheinbaum, for her part, asserted that the release of prisoners is a sovereign decision of her government and was not negotiated with the United States.