US-Mexico border tensions escalate as the threat of kinetic warfare with drug cartels looms large.
Top Takeaways
- Mexican cartels authorized drone attacks on US Border Patrol agents.
- Information about cartel plans was received on February 1, 2025.
- Cartels encourage harassment of ICE agents on social media.
- US military presence at the border increased to counter cartel threats.
- Kinetic warfare between US troops and cartels is a potential outcome.
Rising Threat of Cartel Attacks
Mexican drug cartels are reportedly instructing members to attack US border agents using kamikaze drones and explosives. This disturbing development has prompted an internal memo warning federal agents to remain vigilant at all times. On February 1, 2025, the El Paso Sector Intelligence and Operations Center received intelligence about these grave threats, confirming the cartels’ authorization to use explosive-laden drones against US Border Patrol and military personnel.
The cartels have further escalated their aggression by using social media to encourage illegal migrants to target ICE agents, even going so far as to suggest assassination. This dangerous rhetoric comes as a reaction to the bolstered US border security that threatens their lucrative trafficking operations.
US Military Preparedness
Recent incidents highlight the growing threat cartels pose, including gunfire from cartel gunmen at US agents in Texas and the approval of bomb-equipped drones crossing into US airspace. These developments have resulted in increased military presence and surveillance operations, including a US Air Force SIGINT mission over Baja California. Tom Homan emphasized to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth the likelihood of kinetic engagements and confirmed special operations planning against these foreign terrorist organizations.
“If anybody thinks the cartels are not going to respond in some fashion with some violence, they’re crazy – it’s going to happen.” – Tom Homan
With thousands of US troops deployed to the southern border, the Trump administration underscores its commitment to counter potential cartel aggression. Both Canada and Mexico have also reinforced their respective borders with troop deployments, highlighting a robust trilateral security approach.
“If they harm a SINGLE Border Patrol agent or soldier, President Trump is gonna rain hell down on them, and I think he’ll wipe them off the face of the earth.” – Tom Homan
Border Czar "Expects" Kinetic Warfare Between US Troops & Mexican Drug Cartels https://t.co/vdBbjuCFMU
— zerohedge (@zerohedge) February 7, 2025
Impact on Immigration and Security
The administration’s stance has also affected immigration policies, with President Trump declaring a national emergency on his first day in office to facilitate military deployment and ICE intensifying raids focused on deporting criminal migrants. Approximately 76% of the 14,000 migrants arrested recently have criminal records, reflecting the ongoing challenges US officials face in maintaining border security amidst unprecedented cartel threats.
As tensions remain high, the administration’s strategy will be tested in addressing potential cartel-initiated violence while balancing diplomatic and operational considerations. The coming days are crucial in determining whether the situation can be managed without escalating into wider conflict.
Sources:
- Mexican drug cartels plan attacks on Border Patrol agents with kamikaze drones and other explosives to fight US crackdown
- Border Czar: More Cartel Border Violence Coming, But US is Ready
- ‘Border czar’ Tom Homan threatens military action against Mexican cartels if necessary
- Border Czar “Expects” Kinetic Warfare Between US Troops & Mexican Drug Cartels
