Cruz warned Mexico officials 'President Trump was going to' act if they didn't fight cartels

Fox News - WorldCenter-RightEN 4 min read 100% complete by Efrat LachterFebruary 23, 2026 at 09:26 PM

AI Summary

medium article 4 min

The article discusses the potential reasons behind the recent operation by Mexican forces, with U.S. intelligence support, that targeted drug lord Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes. It suggests that increased U.S. pressure, particularly from the Trump administration, has influenced Mexico's approach to combating cartels. Senator Ted Cruz stated he warned Mexican officials that the U.S. expected stronger action against drug and human trafficking, implying potential consequences if they didn't comply. Experts suggest that the operation is a visible response to U.S. demands for results, with the threat of trade leverage and unilateral action serving as incentives for Mexico to act. The increased coordination between the two countries is driven by fentanyl trafficking becoming a central political and security issue in the United States.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Panama 30% El Salvador 30% America First Policy Institute 50% Melissa Ford Maldonado ×260% Mexico City ×270% Donald Trump ×270% Washington, D.C. ×270% Ted Cruz ×280% Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes ×380% Mexico ×890% United States ×390%

Keywords

trump administration 80% us pressure 80% cartels 80% human trafficking 70% mexico's approach 70% fentanyl trafficking 70% cartel leaders 60% war on drugs 60% ted cruz 50% open-border policies 50%