US Is Engaged in Formal 'Armed Conflict' With 'Terrorist' Drug Cartels, Trump Says

US Is Engaged in Formal Armed Conflict With Terrorist Drug Cartels, Trump Says

Washington, D.C. October 2, 2025 President Donald Trump on Thursday declared that the United States is now engaged in a formal armed conflict with terrorist drug cartels, escalating his administration’s long-standing war on organized crime at the southern border.

According to administration officials, a notice was delivered to several congressional committees late Wednesday, formally informing lawmakers of the new designation and outlining the president’s expanded military authorities.

Trump’s Announcement

Speaking at the White House, Trump described cartel violence as a “direct national security threat” and accused Mexican and Central American criminal groups of carrying out attacks equivalent to terrorism.

“These are not drug dealers anymore,” Trump said. “They are foreign terrorist organizations, and the United States is now engaged in armed conflict with them. We will hunt them down wherever they operate.”

The president did not specify what level of U.S. military involvement may follow, but officials suggested the declaration opens the door to targeted strikes, expanded surveillance, and possible cross-border operations with Mexico’s consent.

What the Notice Means

The notification sent to Congress resembles a War Powers Resolution update, which presidents are required to provide when U.S. forces are introduced into hostilities.

• It signals that U.S. forces are now actively engaged in operations against cartel networks.

• The move could trigger debates over funding and oversight, with Congress pressing for limits on what the White House can do without explicit authorization.

• It also raises legal and diplomatic questions, particularly around Mexican sovereignty.

Reactions From Congress

Lawmakers from both parties expressed unease with the scope of Trump’s declaration.

• Democrats accused the president of bypassing Congress to unilaterally expand military powers. “If this is a new war, Congress must authorize it,” said Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA).

• Republicans were divided: some backed Trump’s aggressive posture, while others warned of unintended consequences. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) said, “We cannot stumble into another endless war, this time against cartels.”

Mexico Responds

Mexico’s foreign ministry issued a cautious statement, reaffirming its commitment to work with Washington but stressing that any U.S. operations inside Mexico must have full Mexican government approval.

“We reject unilateral action and insist on respecting our sovereignty,” the statement read.

What Comes Next

Analysts said the administration’s move could reshape U.S. counter-narcotics strategy by shifting it from a law enforcement framework into a counterterrorism model.

“This declaration fundamentally changes the game,” said Carla Alvarez, a former Pentagon official. “It allows the U.S. to use military assets and intelligence tools that were previously off-limits in the fight against cartels.”

Still, critics warned that such an escalation risks greater violence, strained U.S.-Mexico relations, and blurred lines between fighting crime and waging war.