Trump WH plans mission in Mexico against cartels, current and former U.S. officials say

US Military Actions in Mexico - The Trump administration is considering sending US troops and intel officers into Mexico to target drug cartels, including potential drone strikes on drug labs [1] - Early training for the mission has started, but deployment is not imminent [2] - The administration believes it doesn't need congressional approval for strikes against drug smuggling [2] - The administration argues that the strikes don't meet the definition of "hostilities" under the War Powers Resolution because US troops are not directly in harm's way [4][5][6] - The administration's interpretation of the War Powers Resolution is that it does not apply to the ongoing anti-cartel campaign [3] Legal and Congressional Oversight - Under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, the president typically needs congressional approval for sustained military action longer than 60 days [3] - The administration argues that because the drone strikes are remotely operated and US forces aren't physically in danger, they don't have to abide by the War Powers Act's 60-day notification requirement [5][6] - Senators on the Senate Armed Services Committee have sent multiple letters to the Pentagon about armed forces activities and have received no response [10] Shifting Goals and Strategy - The administration's goals appear to be shifting, initially focused on stopping fentanyl, then shifting to pressuring the Venezuelan military [14][15] - Fentanyl primarily comes from Mexico, not Venezuela [14] - Potential strikes on military bases in Venezuela could be considered an act of hostility, especially if American pilots are involved [11][12]