President Donald Trump quietly approved U.S. military force against Latin American drug groups designated as foreign terrorist organizations, a move that significantly broadens American counter-narcotics operations beyond its borders.

The covert authorization, first reported Friday, empowers U.S. forces to target specific cartels and gangs operating in Latin America, marking Trump’s most forceful attempt yet to quell drug trafficking into the United States.

The previously undisclosed order permits American troops to take action on both land and water against criminal operations tied to foreign cartels. These operations are often linked to violence, human smuggling, and the movement of substances like fentanyl across the southern border.

The New York Times revealed the decision Friday, reporting that Trump's team authorized the military’s expanded role through a classified directive. The directive allows coordination across multiple national security and law enforcement agencies.

Targeted Groups Include Notorious Cartels

Several Latin American organizations are directly named in the authorization, including the Venezuelan syndicate known as Cartel de Los Soles, the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, and one of El Salvador’s most powerful groups, Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13.

Each of these groups has been labeled by the U.S. State Department as foreign terrorist organizations. This designation paved the way for military involvement in addition to ongoing efforts by domestic law enforcement agencies.

Trump's focus on Cartel de Los Soles also reflects a broader stance against the government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The cartel is believed to operate in close coordination with high-level elements of Maduro's administration.

Trump Floated Military Action in 2024 Race

During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump repeatedly floated the idea of taking the fight directly to cartels operating in Mexico and Latin America. The official move now aligns with those earlier, more public statements.

Supporters of the policy say it underscores Trump’s commitment to border security and domestic safety. Deputy White House Press Secretary Anna Kelly said the president’s priority is “protecting the homeland,” which fueled the decision to classify major gangs as terrorist entities.

In addition, a person close to the White House noted the military plan aimed to "destroy" Maduro's syndicate and eliminate its operations throughout the hemisphere.

Administration Ramps Up Anti-Gang Measures

Within the U.S., the administration has implemented several enforcement strategies involving immigration and law enforcement personnel. Those with known gang affiliations have been targeted in deportation operations.

Trump has also taken a more public approach, holding events with families affected by drug and gang violence. At such events, he pledged to seize cartel assets to compensate people harmed by so-called "migrant crime."

In another striking development, the State and Justice Departments announced a $50 million reward Thursday for information leading to Maduro’s arrest. The offer is linked to multiple alleged violations of U.S. narcotics laws.

Multiple Agencies Coordinating Strategy

The strategy goes beyond simple military involvement. It integrates efforts among several federal departments, including Defense, Justice, Homeland Security, the Treasury, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

The agencies aim to jointly track assets, disrupt smuggling routes, and identify key figures within the terrorist-designated groups. Operations may include surveillance, seizures, and intelligence sharing on a transnational level.

While the full scope of planned military action has not been detailed, officials stress that the goal is to dismantle, rather than merely disrupt, the cartel networks at their roots.

Tensions Remain with Regional Governments

The combat-focused shift in American policy may create friction with foreign governments that object to U.S. military involvement in their sovereign territories. In particular, Maduro has strongly opposed previous moves by Washington to link his administration with criminal drug activity.

Trump has previously blamed both Canada and Mexico for inadequate cooperation on border security, including failures to stem the flow of drugs and migrants. He has responded with trade pressure, increasing tariffs to spark more aggressive action from neighboring countries.

Though it remains uncertain how Latin American leaders will publicly respond to the latest military order, the decision marks a turning point in longstanding U.S. policy on transnational organized crime.