US and Mexican armed forces conducted a joint military operation along the border near El Paso and Ciudad Juarez on Thursday, deploying armored MRAPs, all-terrain vehicles, horse-mounted units, and helicopter operations. The exercise, described as a “mirror” patrol, took place in an area known for severe cartel violence.

The operation follows renewed pressure from President Trump’s administration to address drug trafficking and migration flows. Mexican officials confirmed participation in the joint military effort, marking a shift from their previous reluctance to cooperate with U.S. anti-cartel initiatives.

The exercise targets regions where the Juárez Cartel operates—a group recently designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. Department of State. The cartel has been linked to attacks including the 2019 massacre in Sonora that killed nine Americans.

US Border Patrol officials stated that individuals engaged with terrorist organizations would face severe legal and immigration consequences. Border Patrol Chief Jesse Munoz of the El Paso Sector added: “This cartel has been terrorizing both sides of the border for decades.”

The move reflects a reversal in Mexico’s stance under U.S. pressure. President Claudia Sheinbaum had previously expressed resistance to Trump’s calls for military cooperation but has now agreed to participate.

Colombia also announced its entry into the Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition, following the inauguration of a new right-wing president who authorized joint military operations against narco-terrorist networks.

US officials emphasized that cartels are now treated as terrorist entities rather than criminal organizations. A White House official stated: “We have learned after decades of effort that there is not a criminal justice solution to the cartel problem. These organizations can only be defeated with military power.”

The operation underscores growing U.S. pressure on regional partners to confront threats posed by cartels designated as terrorist groups.