A specialized team of US military instructors is conducting training exercises with Mexican marine forces in an effort to strengthen Mexico’s response to cartel violence. The operation was approved by Mexico’s Senate after negotiations between President Claudia Sheinbaum and President Donald Trump.
US Special Forces will be landing in Mexico this week to train Mexican infantry after a Mexican Senate commission approved the measure:
“The Americans will come fully armed as part of a mission to train the Mexican Navy’s Infantería de Marina (marine infantry) on conventional… pic.twitter.com/vHVddDrdm9
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) February 17, 2025
The training mission is being led by the 7th Special Forces Group, a unit with experience in Latin America and combat zones like Afghanistan. The sessions, taking place at the Luis Carpizo naval base in Campeche, run from February 17 through March 30 and focus on preparing Mexican forces for combat situations.
BREAKING: The Mexican Senate has approved the entry of United States Special Forces into Mexico starting this week.
This comes as President Trump continues his immense pressure on the Mexican government to take out the cartels.
The plan is for the Army's 7th Special Forces… pic.twitter.com/98Gz8tid0C
— George (@BehizyTweets) February 17, 2025
Sen. Alejandro Moreno Cardenas, head of the Senate Naval Ministry Commission, confirmed that the Green Berets landed in Campeche ahead of the program’s start. The Senate commission granted approval for the operation following Sheinbaum’s request for additional military support.
Special Forces have arrived in Mexico for a training exercise. Training Mexico’s Marines. 🇺🇸 & 🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/MSRMmSVa0L
— Salty 🇺🇸 El Kekistador🗡️ (@realSaltySeaDog) February 17, 2025
Mexico’s cartels play a major role in the flow of narcotics into the US, controlling an estimated 70% of the illicit drug trade. Many cartel operations rely on fentanyl precursors from China, which are processed in Mexico before being smuggled across the border.
Trump has intensified efforts to pressure Mexico into taking stronger action against cartel operations, signing an executive order that labels the criminal organizations as foreign terrorist groups. The agreement between both nations also includes commitments to crack down on firearm trafficking from the US into Mexico.
Scott Stewart, an intelligence analyst at TorchStone Global, emphasized that the Green Berets’ presence is limited to training. Meanwhile, reports have surfaced of a potential US surveillance aircraft near Baja California, though Mexican officials denied any unauthorized reconnaissance flights.
