Reported by ELÍAS CAMHAJI

(Summary version featured below)

Donald Trump has issued a series of executive orders targeting immigration and organized crime, marking a significant shift in U.S.-Mexico relations. His decision to designate Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations grants his administration greater authority to combat these groups, raising concerns about potential U.S. military intervention in Mexico. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has downplayed the novelty of these measures but acknowledges the severity of the new classification. Experts warn that this move alters the dynamics between the two nations, with Mexico fearing threats to its sovereignty and increased U.S. pressure across various policy areas.

The implications of this designation remain uncertain, with debates about the extent of U.S. action. Some speculate that Trump might authorize operations against cartel leaders without Mexico’s consent, or even consider a limited military intervention. Senator Marco Rubio has suggested that military action is on the table but emphasized that cooperation with Mexico is preferable. Trump’s rhetoric suggests that he sees the designation as both a practical tool and a political statement, using it to project strength in his administration’s approach to crime and immigration. The unpredictability of Trump’s decision-making adds to the anxiety over how these policies will unfold.

Beyond potential military involvement, the designation equips U.S. agencies with powerful financial tools to dismantle cartels. The new measures resemble those implemented under the post-9/11 “war on terror,” allowing authorities to freeze assets and disrupt money laundering networks. While this could weaken cartel operations, it also raises concerns about unintended consequences. Innocent individuals, including financial institutions and immigrants paying smugglers, could be caught up in the crackdown under vague terrorism-related laws. Critics argue that this approach broadens executive authority in ways that may lead to overreach and wrongful prosecutions.

The broader shift in U.S. security policy under Trump is evident in his framing of the cartels as existential threats. His administration’s rhetoric emphasizes “terror” over drug addiction and public health, portraying migration and cartel violence as part of a larger attack on U.S. sovereignty. This shift justifies expanded military involvement at the border, with increased troop deployments and a growing role for the Pentagon in counter-narcotics operations. The administration’s move signals a potential long-term change in how the U.S. addresses drug-related crime, with military and intelligence agencies taking a leading role.

The executive order also sets the stage for contentious negotiations between the U.S. and Mexico. While Sheinbaum seeks continued cooperation, she has drawn a firm line against military intervention. However, Trump’s aggressive stance places Mexico in a difficult position, as it faces threats of economic and political retaliation. Domestically, the policy has fueled political divisions, with opposition figures in Mexico using it to critique Sheinbaum’s security strategy. While some argue that a more forceful approach is necessary to combat crime, others warn that history has shown the futility of militarized drug wars. The long-term consequences of Trump’s strategy remain uncertain, but its immediate impact has already reshaped the conversation around U.S.-Mexico relations and drug policy.

Read original report: https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-02-02/from-cartels-to-terrorists-trump-imposes-a-new-paradigm-on-mexico-in-the-war-on-drugs.html?outputType=amp