The Trump admin is fed up. They’re pulling the gloves off and going to war.
And Donald Trump’s ordered a U.S. military strike that surprised everyone.
Trump Administration Intensifies Border Security Measures to Combat Cartel Influence
The administration of President Donald Trump has issued a confidential order directing the Department of Defense to deploy military resources against specific drug cartels labeled as foreign terrorist organizations, according to sources familiar with the matter.
A report from The New York Times revealed that Trump discreetly authorized the directive, establishing a basis for potential military engagements targeting these criminal networks.
According to The Times, Pentagon officials have begun formulating strategies for military actions against the cartels. However, such operations could face legal challenges, particularly if they result in the deaths of individuals who do not present an immediate threat or are not part of a conflict authorized by Congress.
“President Trump’s top priority is protecting the homeland, which is why he took the bold step to designate several cartels and gangs as foreign terrorist organizations,” White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement to The Hill.
Upon assuming office, Trump issued executive orders classifying several drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, equipping law enforcement with enhanced tools to disrupt their operations. In May, Trump publicly acknowledged offering to deploy U.S. troops to Mexico to confront drug cartels, an offer that was declined by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo.
“We can collaborate. We can work together. But you in your territory, and us in ours,” Sheinbaum said at the time. “We can share information, but we will never accept the presence of the United States Army in our territory.”
The Trump Effect:
"We now have the most secure border in modern American history."pic.twitter.com/BuEGuNffTg
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) August 8, 2025
President Donald Trump has made border security a cornerstone of his administration’s agenda, focusing heavily on curbing illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and cartel-related violence. His approach combines aggressive policy measures, executive actions, and heightened enforcement to address what he describes as a crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. The administration’s efforts aim to restore order and strengthen national security by targeting the root causes of border chaos, including the influence of transnational criminal organizations.
One of Trump’s flagship initiatives has been the continuation and expansion of border wall construction. Since taking office in 2025, his administration has allocated significant funding to complete sections of the wall left unfinished from his previous term. Reports from government sources indicate that over 100 miles of new or reinforced barriers have been constructed or are underway, with a goal to deter illegal crossings and smuggling operations. The Department of Homeland Security has prioritized high-traffic areas, using advanced technology like sensors and drones to enhance surveillance.
Trump has also reinstated policies from his first term, such as the “Remain in Mexico” program, officially known as the Migrant Protection Protocols. This policy requires asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases are processed in U.S. immigration courts. The program, which was rescinded by the Biden administration, has been revived to reduce the number of migrants released into the U.S. while awaiting hearings. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) data shows a 30% decrease in catch-and-release practices since the policy’s reinstatement.
To combat drug trafficking, Trump’s designation of cartels as foreign terrorist organizations has opened new avenues for federal agencies. This classification allows the Department of Justice and the Treasury Department to freeze cartel assets, impose sanctions, and pursue criminal charges with greater authority. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has reported a surge in operations targeting cartel supply chains, resulting in the seizure of over 10 tons of fentanyl and other narcotics in 2025 alone.
The administration has also increased deportations of undocumented immigrants with criminal records. ICE has ramped up operations, focusing on individuals involved in drug trafficking, human smuggling, or gang activity. According to recent figures, deportations have risen by 25% compared to the previous year, with a particular emphasis on removing members of gangs like MS-13, which Trump has repeatedly linked to border insecurity.
Trump’s push for military involvement, as seen in the Pentagon directive, marks a real and serious escalation. While the offer to send troops to Mexico was rejected, the administration has deployed additional National Guard units to the border. These units assist Border Patrol agents with logistics, surveillance, and apprehension efforts. The Department of Defense has also provided advanced equipment, including night-vision technology and mobile command centers, to bolster operations.
