President Donald Trump has directed the U.S. Department of Defense to develop military plans targeting Latin American drug cartels that his administration has designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). The move follows the formal designation earlier this year of eight cartels under both the FTO and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) lists.

According to multiple officials familiar with the matter, the order—classified in detail—authorizes the Pentagon to identify potential operational options, including maritime interdictions, drone strikes, and coordinated actions with partner nations. No public timeline has been given, and officials emphasize that no U.S. ground troops are planned to operate on Mexican soil.

Groups under review for potential targeting include Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua, the Cartel de los Soles, MS-13, and other transnational criminal organizations linked to large-scale narcotics trafficking, human smuggling, and violent crimes in the United States.

Trump has also ordered federal law enforcement agencies to increase asset seizures from designated organizations, with proceeds directed toward victims of violent crime. The administration has tightened certain trade measures with Canada and Mexico, citing insufficient action against smuggling networks.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has publicly rejected any U.S. military intervention within Mexico’s borders, stating that security operations must remain under Mexican authority.

White House officials have not commented on when, or if, any military action will be approved. Defense Department sources describe the current phase as “contingency planning” pending further presidential direction.