US pressing Mexico to allow US forces to fight cartels, NYT reportsThe US–Mexico border wall seen from Ciudad Juarez after President Sheinbaum ruled out US military action against drug cartels, January 12, 2026. - REUTERSTHE United States is intensifying pressure on Mexico to allow U.S. military forces to conduct joint operations to dismantle fentanyl labs inside the country, the New York Times reported on Thursday, citing U.S. officials. Trump has escalated rhetoric, claiming cartels run Mexico and suggesting potential US strikes, while Mexico's President Sheinbaum firmly rejects military intervention. The U.S. request to Mexico to use U.S. forces was renewed after Washington's forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a raid on January 3, the New York Times report said. Reuters could not immediately verify the New York Times report.

Source: International New York Times January 15, 2026 11:31 UTC