President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team is revisiting plans to classify Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, reviving a controversial proposal from his first term. Discussions, first reported in 2019, stalled under pressure from both Mexican officials and internal U.S. opposition. Now, as Trump prepares to take office on January 20, the plan has gained fresh momentum among his allies and advisors.

Designating cartels as terrorist organizations could have far-reaching implications. The classification would enable the U.S. government to impose severe legal and financial penalties on individuals and entities associated with the cartels. It may also pave the way for military actions on Mexican soil, including targeting fentanyl labs and cartel leaders. Trump has already suggested employing special forces, a move that would challenge Mexico’s sovereignty and strain relations with the U.S.’s largest trading partner.

Critics argue that existing tools, such as Operation Sentinel and Joint Task Force Alpha, already target transnational criminal organizations effectively. These efforts focus on disrupting human smuggling, illicit drug trade, and financial networks. Former officials warn that the designation may do little to enhance current enforcement capabilities but could jeopardize bilateral cooperation with Mexico, which has been fragile in recent years.

The proposal has significant support among Republican lawmakers. House Speaker Mike Johnson and others argue the move is essential to tackling the cartels’ growing power. “This takes the gloves off,” said Republican Representative Tony Gonzales, noting the designation would eliminate red tape and compel Mexico to strengthen collaboration with the U.S. However, critics maintain that such a move might lead to diplomatic standoffs similar to those under Trump’s first administration.

Former Attorney General William Barr, an advocate for aggressive action against cartels, has called for additional measures, including military intervention if necessary. While Barr’s stance reflects a hardline approach, even he has acknowledged the risks of alienating Mexico, especially given its history of resistance to U.S. overreach.

As discussions continue, the designation remains a polarizing issue. Trump’s plans may ultimately hinge on balancing the need for stronger action against cartels with preserving a fragile yet critical partnership with Mexico.