The Pentagon chief warned Mexico of potential military action, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The head of the American Pentagon, Pete Hegseth, stated that U.S. military personnel are prepared to "take unilateral actions" if Mexico fails to address the issue of drug cartels. Hegseth accused the Mexican government of colluding with drug cartels, which shocked Mexico City, reported the Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed sources.

According to the publication, Hegseth's conversation with senior military leadership in Mexico took place on January 31, 2025. At that time, he stated that the U.S. is ready for military action if Mexico does not resolve the "collusion between the country's government and drug cartels".

WSJ reported that Mexican officials were "shocked and outraged." It was noted that Mexican authorities "got the impression" that Hegseth was suggesting the possibility of U.S. strikes south of the border with Mexico.

Previously, Hegseth did not rule out U.S. military operations against drug cartels in Mexico, stating that the Pentagon "will consider all options." Following negotiations on February 1, the U.S. Department of Defense reported that Hegseth emphasized "the protection of the United States and its citizens, including the security of the southern border".

It is worth noting that during his inaugural speech, the U.S. president declared that the country would designate cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

"And referencing the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, I will direct our government to utilize the full and tremendous power of federal and state law enforcement agencies to eliminate the presence of all foreign gangs and criminal networks that bring devastating crime to U.S. territory, including our cities,” Trump stated at that time.

It should be noted that in the last week, Mexico has handed over a drug lord and 29 members of drug cartels to the U.S., who have been charged in the United States.