US Special Forces have begun training Mexican marines in counter-cartel combat techniques as part of a military cooperation agreement between both nations. The training was approved by Mexico’s Senate at the request of President Claudia Sheinbaum, following discussions with President Donald Trump.
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 7th Special Forces Group, commonly known as the Green Berets, is leading the training at the Luis Carpizo naval base in Campeche. The program, which began February 17 and runs through March 30, is designed to strengthen Mexico’s ability to engage cartel forces through both traditional and unconventional military tactics.
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
Mexican Sen. Alejandro Moreno Cardenas, who chairs the Senate Naval Ministry Commission, confirmed that the Green Berets arrived ahead of schedule on a C-130 aircraft. The commission approved the training sessions with no opposition, in response to Sheinbaum’s request for enhanced military collaboration.
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
Mexican drug cartels are responsible for much of the illegal narcotics entering the US and act as a distribution network for global drug trafficking operations. Many of these groups rely on fentanyl precursors from China, which are processed in Mexico and then smuggled across the US border.
Trump has escalated US policy on cartel activity, signing an executive order that labels these groups as foreign terrorist organizations. He has also threatened trade penalties if Mexico does not increase enforcement. As part of the agreement, the US has pledged to disrupt the flow of illegal firearms into Mexico.
Although the US training mission is focused solely on preparation, reports from earlier this month suggested a possible US reconnaissance plane near Baja California. The Mexican government has denied any unauthorized aerial surveillance.
