Hegseth Urges Latin American Allies to Take Aggressive Action Against Drug Cartels

Defense Secretary calls for 'hard power' and lethal force to combat criminal organizations in the Western Hemisphere

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is urging Latin American countries to take a more aggressive approach against drug cartels, warning that the Trump administration would be forced to act by itself if governments fail to effectively combat criminal organizations that directly threaten the United States and border security. Hegseth spoke at a conference in Miami with defense officials from allied governments around the region, calling for a shift from a 'purely law enforcement approach' to using 'hard power' and lethal force to 'make the Americas great again'.

Why it matters

The Trump administration is seeking to leverage military assets to restore U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere, designating drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and asserting presidential power to combat trafficking, including dozens of deadly boat strikes. This more aggressive approach has won support from some conservative leaders in Latin America but raises concerns about weakening civilian rule-of-law institutions.

The details

In his speech, Hegseth said the U.S. and Latin America had a shared Christian heritage that was at stake due to 'decades of inaction' against organized crime and terrorist networks. He pledged U.S. support to 'combat cartels, restore deterrence and make the Americas great again.' Stephen Miller, a key White House official, echoed Hegseth's call for using 'hard power' and lethal force against the cartels, which he compared to ISIS and al-Qaida. The administration's legal rationale for its military operations includes designating cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and declaring the U.S. is in 'armed conflict' with them.

  • The 'Americas Counter Cartel Conference' was held on Thursday, March 5, 2026 in Miami.
  • Latin American leaders are scheduled to attend a summit with President Trump on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at his nearby golf club.

The players

Pete Hegseth

U.S. Defense Secretary who urged Latin American countries to take a more aggressive approach against drug cartels.

Stephen Miller

Deputy White House Chief of Staff and a key architect of the Trump administration's aggressive stance in the region.

Donald Trump

President of the United States who has pledged a renewed focus on Latin America, including designating drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and asserting presidential power to combat trafficking.

Nayib Bukele

President of El Salvador who rode to power on promises to use an 'iron fist' against criminal groups.

Nicolas Maduro

Former president of Venezuela who was captured in a U.S. military operation and is now facing drug charges in New York.

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What they’re saying

“America is prepared to take on these threats and go on the offense alone if necessary.”

— Pete Hegseth, U.S. Defense Secretary

“Cartels that operate in this hemisphere are the ISIS (Islamic State group) and al-Qaida of this hemisphere and must be treated just as ruthlessly.”

— Stephen Miller, Deputy White House Chief of Staff

“The human rights that we are going to protect are not those of the savages that rape, torture and murder but those of the average citizens.”

— Stephen Miller, Deputy White House Chief of Staff

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Nicolas Maduro out on bail.

The takeaway

The Trump administration's more aggressive military approach to combating drug cartels in Latin America raises concerns about weakening civilian rule-of-law institutions in the region, even as it has won support from some conservative leaders who favor an 'iron fist' against criminal groups.