Elon Musk Mexican Cartels: He Proposes Drone Strikes

Elon Musk Proposes Drone Strikes on Mexican Cartels
U.S. Declares Six Cartels as Terrorist Organizations
Sheinbaum Responds to Threats

Tech magnate Elon Musk, known for his groundbreaking companies and influence on social media, stirred controversy on Wednesday after suggesting that the United States could launch drone strikes on Mexican drug cartels.

Musk made the statement on his account on the social platform X, where he shared the official document designating these groups as terrorist organizations.

He accompanied the post with the comment: «That means they are eligible for drone strikes.»

This statement ignited a heated debate regarding potential U.S. military involvement within Mexican territory.

Musk Suggests Drone Strikes on Mexican Cartels

From @StateDept today pic.twitter.com/lxuvgwtadr

– Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) February 19, 2025

The designation comes from the U.S. Department of State, which has officially classified six Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations:

Cártel de Sinaloa, Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), Cártel del Noreste, Cártel del Golfo, La Nueva Familia Michoacana, Cárteles Unidos.

Additionally, the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and the Central American gang Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) were also included on the list.

This designation is based on an executive order signed by Donald Trump on his first day in office.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed the classification, stating that these organizations represent a significant threat to U.S. national security due to their involvement in drug trafficking and extreme violence.

The Mexican government has opposed this designation, arguing that it could be used as justification for U.S. military intervention on Mexican soil.

However, recent reports from U.S. media have revealed that the CIA has already used spy drones over Mexico to monitor organized crime, aiming to locate fentanyl production laboratories.

These surveillance flights have reportedly allowed U.S. authorities to identify critical points in the production and distribution of this highly addictive drug.

Sheinbaum Responds to Musk’s Remarks

Elon Musk Mexican Cartels, Attack, Drones, Mundonow — Elon Musk Proposes Drone Strikes on Mexican Cartels – Photo: Shuttersock

Amid concerns over potential U.S. military action, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that the spy drone flights are conducted “at the request of the Mexican government.”

She emphasized that she does not fear an invasion, claiming to feel “supported by the Mexican people,” according to EFE.

Sheinbaum also highlighted her administration’s commitment to combating organized crime while cooperating with international partners—without compromising Mexico’s national sovereignty.

Musk’s comments have sparked mixed reactions in both political and social circles.

In the U.S., some sectors support Musk’s stance, considering drone strikes an effective measure to curb the violence fueled by drug trafficking.

In Mexico, however, the remarks are viewed as dangerous and potentially damaging to bilateral relations.

Foreign policy experts warn that any unilateral military action by the U.S. could trigger a diplomatic crisis and provoke retaliatory measures from the Mexican government.