Mexican Drug Cartels 1-31-26

As of January 2026, the strategy for addressing Mexican drug cartels involves intense pressure from the U.S. administration on the Mexican government, moving beyond traditional cooperation toward coercive action and potential U.S. military engagement on land.  

The 2026 approach is characterized by the following developments:

U.S. Military Action Threats: President Trump has stated the U.S. will begin targeting drug cartels on land in Mexico, following maritime operations that allegedly disrupted 97% of drug trafficking by water.

Designation as Terrorists: In February 2025, the U.S. State Department designated key Mexican cartels (Sinaloa Cartel, CJNG) as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), providing a legal basis for enhanced, potentially military, action.

Increased Extraditions: Under pressure from Washington, Mexico has increased the transfer of cartel members to the U.S. in early 2026, including the transfer of 37 individuals in January 2026, labeled "high-impact criminals".

Operational Shifts: The U.S. has integrated military intelligence, law enforcement, and the broader intelligence community into a new operational framework, with a focus on dismantling the command-and-control structures of cartel leadership.

Focus on Fentanyl: The newly appointed U.S. drug czar, Sara Carter, has framed drug trafficking as a "chemical war" against the U.S., with a promise that the "days are numbered" for cartels, emphasizing a goal to stop fentanyl flow.

Mexican Response: President Claudia Sheinbaum has framed the extradition of cartel members as a "sovereign decision" to protect national security, while navigating intense pressure from the U.S. to take more direct action against cartels. 

The situation remains fluid, with experts noting that while the U.S. is applying maximum pressure, the effectiveness of these measures depends on high-level intelligence and sustained cooperation, according to Americas Quarterly and Border Report. 

Trump suggests U.S. military will hit cartels on 'land' in Mexico

As of late January 2026, the strategy for removing drug cartels from Mexico involves intensified pressure from the Trump administration and reactive measures by the Mexican government to maintain sovereignty while cooperating with U.S. demands. 

U.S. "Operation Take Back America"

The U.S. has shifted to a high-intensity enforcement model through Operation Take Back America and the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF), established via Executive Order 14159. 

Foreign Terrorist Designations: Key groups like the Sinaloa Cartel and CJNG have been designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), allowing the use of broader military and financial sanctions.

"Hitting Land" Strategy: President Trump has announced that after reportedly neutralizing 97% of maritime drug traffic, the U.S. will begin land-based strikes against cartel infrastructure.

Direct Military Action: The Pentagon has reportedly drafted plans for direct military force against cartel targets on foreign soil, potentially including drone strikes and ground operations.

Drug Czar's Outlook: New U.S. Drug Czar Sara Carter stated in January 2026 that "cartels' days are numbered," emphasizing a global war and a new National Drug Control Strategy due in February. 

Mexico’s "Sovereign Decision" Approach

President Claudia Sheinbaum has publicly rejected U.S. military intervention on Mexican soil but has significantly increased high-level extraditions to avoid further escalation. 

Mass Extraditions: In January 2026 alone, Mexico transferred 37 high-impact criminals to the U.S., totaling 92 members sent over the past year. Sheinbaum characterized these as "sovereign decisions" by her National Security Council.

Tactical Coordination: Mexico’s security minister, Omar García Harfuch, is leading efforts to target specific cartel leaders while strengthening coordination with U.S. counterparts like Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Domestic Challenges: Critics and legal experts have noted that some transfers may have occurred without standard extradition orders, reflecting the immense pressure from the White House. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=removing+drug+cartels+from+mexico+2026

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader