Defense Secretary Hegseth Warns Cartels Over Trump's Order To Use Military Force: 'We Know More Than They Think'

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned cartels that the Trump administration is "observing" them following the president's order approving military strikes on them.

Speaking to Fox News' Laura Ingraham, Hegseth said fighting criminal organizations is a priority for the Trump administration. "We are observing them. We know a bit more about them than what they think. We've spent a long time watching them," he added.

Hegseth went on to say that cartels will be targeted based on Trump's orders, but avoided confirming whether sending troops into Mexico is under consideration.

"I can't reveal anything, but that's not what I'm saying," the official claimed when asked directly about a military incursion or a drone attack." "We're not standing with our arms crossed about this anymore."

There have been conflicting reports about the administration's plans for cartels following Trump's order. On Monday, The Washington Post quoted an official saying the government is not considering sending troops into Mexico despite the president's order.

The outlet noted that instead others are favoring drone or naval strikes if forceful actions are in fact approved by the administration. The outlet added that discussions have also included partnering more closely with Mexican authorities to target criminal organizations.

However, an official added that military strikes are unlikely to be approved at the moment. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum had already rejected the presence of U.S. troops in the country, saying last week that the possibility was "absolutely ruled out because we have made it clear in every call that such action is neither allowed nor part of any agreement."

Sheinbaum added that had been informed about Trump's executive order, but emphasized that "it had nothing to do with the participation of any military forces in Mexico." She went on to emphasize that any U.S. agencies currently operating in Mexico are under tight restrictions. "I believe we're the country with the most regulation for foreign agents, whether they're from the United States or elsewhere," she said.

Talk about Trump's order has also taken place in South America, considering that weeks ago it designated the Venezuelan Cartel de los Soles to the list of global terrorist group. It claimed that authoritarian President Nicolas Maduro and other high-ranking officials lead the cartel, and on Thursday Attorney General Pam Bondi raised the reward for information leading to his arrest to $50 million.