Elite American troops have arrived in Mexico to conduct military training for the nation’s marine infantry as part of an effort to strengthen their ability to fight cartel-related violence. The training initiative, approved by the Mexican Senate, is part of an agreement between President Claudia Sheinbaum and President Donald Trump aimed at increasing Mexico’s role in tackling drug cartels.
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 program, which began February 17 and runs until March 30, is being conducted at the Luis Carpizo naval facility in Campeche. The US Army’s 7th Special Forces Group, known as the Green Berets, is overseeing the instruction. The unit has previously worked in Latin America and Afghanistan and specializes in combat operations.
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
According to Sen. Alejandro Moreno Cardenas, president of Mexico’s Senate Naval Ministry Commission, the Green Berets arrived ahead of the mission on a C-130 aircraft. The Senate panel approved the program without opposition following Sheinbaum’s request.
Mexican cartels control much of the drug trade flowing into the US. They are also key middlemen for global drug operations, particularly for fentanyl precursors originating from China. The US has demanded more action from Mexico, citing the devastating effects of cartel-linked drug trafficking.
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
Trump recently designated Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and has warned of potential tariffs on Mexican imports if action is not taken. In exchange for Mexico’s cooperation, the US has agreed to intensify efforts to stop firearms from being smuggled south.
While the Green Berets’ role is strictly limited to training, reports have surfaced of an American reconnaissance plane spotted off the Baja California coast. Mexican officials denied any unauthorized US surveillance activities.
