The Daily Populous Sunday February 2nd, 2025 morning edition
Authored by evrimagaci.org and submitted by alpacinohairline

Military Action Against Mexican Cartels Now Possible, Says Hegseth Defense Secretary emphasizes all options on the table to combat cartel violence targeting Americans.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made significant waves during his appearance on Fox & Friends on February 1, 2025, stating unequivocally, "All options will be on the table if we're dealing with what are designated to be foreign terrorist organizations who are targeting Americans on our border." This bold assertion spots military actions against Mexican drug cartels as potentially part of the United States' strategy to secure its borders and confront sources of drug violence.

On the show, co-host Brian Kilmeade pressed Hegseth on the possibility of military engagement against cartels if they continued to threaten Border Control and contribute to the influx of deadly fentanyl. Hegseth replied, "I don’t want to get ahead of the President and I won’t. That’s going to be his decision. But let me be clear, all options will be on the table.” He emphasized the shift of the military's focus on homeland defense, insisting, "We’ve been securing other people’s border for a very long time. The military is orienting, shifting toward an understand of homeland defense on our sovereign territorial border. That is something we will do and do it as harshly as we need to."

These statements by Hegseth, who previously hosted Fox & Friends before becoming Defense Secretary, signal a pivotal change from previous U.S. policy. During the Trump administration, cartels were officially labeled as foreign terrorist organizations through executive action. Trump declared, "The Cartels have engaged in a campaign of violence and terror throughout the Western Hemisphere," noting the destabilization they cause not only to countries with significant ties to the U.S. but also their role in flooding America with drugs and violence.

The designation underlines Congress's concern over the cartels. Leaders contended they needed to be treated as actual terrorist entities, allowing potentially more severe military responses. Hegseth echoed this sentiment by indicating, "Should there be other options necessary to prevent the cartels from continuing to pour people, gangs, and drugs and violence, we will take those on." His commitment to tackling cartel-related violence underlines the administration's increased focus on border security.

Public and political reactions to Hegseth's remarks have been mixed, with support from many who believe it's about time to confront the threats posed by cartels more aggressively. An anonymous former military operator remarked on social media, emphasizing the overwhelming military superiority of the U.S. forces: "There’s not a force on the planet capable of protecting them from American might. Trust me on this." Such statements add to the already intense debate surrounding U.S. military interaction and sovereignty.

Yet, the prospect of U.S. military intervention raises complex questions about international law and the potential for increased tensions with Mexico. Many critics have warned of unintended consequences, including escalated violence and complicated diplomatic relations. A cautious approach would likely be favored by those experiencing the ramifications of military decisions, particularly after years of drug-related violence on both sides of the border.

Hegseth's comments also reflect what some view as a national security imperative. By framing cartels explicitly as terrorist organizations, the administration may view military engagement as justified under international law. The potential for military action serves to highlight the degree of urgency felt by those advocating more rigorous border control. This shift shows the growing acknowledgment of the problems the cartels have caused and how they threaten U.S. national security.

For many veterans and citizens concerned about border safety, Hegseth's statements affirm their long-held beliefs about the importance of deterrence on the southern border. Secure borders remain pivotal not just for drug-related issues but also for the broader safety and well-being of the communities adjacent to the border. Hegseth summarized this urgency well, stating, "We will hold nothing back to secure the American people. This is going to be our focus moving forward." The clear resolve articulated by Hegseth sets the tone for what may be new policies concerning drug cartels and border security.

While no definitive plans have been established for military action against the cartels, Hegseth's willingness to keep all options available marks a marked departure from prior strategies and echoes feelings shared by many front-line border control agents. The comments reflect the alarming drug crisis, with fentanyl overdoses reaching epidemic levels, compounded by violence associated with gang wars on American soil.

Going forward, as political discussions around cartel violence and drug smuggling continue, Hegseth’s affirmed stance indicates it’s likely military intervention will stay on the table as officials evaluate the efficacy of border security measures. This narrative will be closely watched, both by concerned citizens and opposing entities, as the ramifications of these statements could resonate well beyond both U.S. and Mexican borders.

Stimbes on February 1st, 2025 at 22:01 UTC »

I wonder if invading another country to bring stability and win the hearts and minds of the locals will work this time?

curtainedcurtail on February 1st, 2025 at 21:48 UTC »

Cartels are heavily intertwined with the more ‘legitimate’ Mexican economy. This will become a national security issue for Mexico.

Realistic_Lead8421 on February 1st, 2025 at 21:45 UTC »

Only a couple of days into his second term and he already threatened war against multiple US allies and has started his first trade war. Going to be fun times.