Trump Secretly Deploys Green Berets to Mexico to Hunt CJNG’s New Boss as Sheinbaum Faces Taunts

Introduction: A Shadow War Unfolds in Mexico’s Heart

In an unprecedented move that has sent shockwaves through the corridors of power in both Mexico and the United States, reports have emerged of President Donald Trump secretly deploying a squad of elite US Green Berets into Mexican territory. Their mission: to hunt down the new leader of the powerful CJNG (Jalisco New Generation Cartel), known as “El 3” or “L3,” and eliminate him before he consolidates his grip on one of Mexico’s most violent and influential criminal organizations.

Simultaneously, Mexico’s current president, Claudia Sheinbaum, finds herself under fire—not just from drug cartels but also from political rivals and even from the cartel itself, which taunts her publicly through social media and covert messaging. The situation reveals a complex web of covert operations, political machinations, and escalating violence that could redefine the ongoing drug war and Mexico’s sovereignty.

This article explores the secret deployment, the historical context of US intervention in Mexico’s cartel wars, the political game between Sheinbaum and Trump, and what this all means for regional stability.

The Secret Deployment: US Green Berets in Mexico

The Hidden Operation

Sources close to US military intelligence confirm that a small team of Green Berets has been secretly deployed into Mexico at the request of the Mexican government. Officially, the mission is described as training Mexican naval infantry marines and special forces to combat drug trafficking and illegal arms flows along the border and maritime routes.

However, insiders suggest a far more aggressive objective: to locate and eliminate “El 3,” the newly anointed leader of CJNG, who has rapidly risen to prominence after the death of his predecessor, Eleno. This move is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to take direct action against high-value cartel targets in Mexico, bypassing the Mexican government’s official stance of sovereignty.

Why Now? The Context of Increased US Involvement

The timing of this covert operation is no coincidence. Over the past year, US authorities have grown increasingly frustrated with the Mexican government’s inability—or unwillingness—to fully dismantle the cartels. With the rise of El 3, who is already believed to have a $5 million bounty on his head, the US sees an urgent need to act decisively.

The last time the US deployed special forces in Mexico—most notably during the failed effort to dismantle the Gulf Cartel in the 1990s—the results were catastrophic. The operation led to the emergence of Los Zetas, a brutal paramilitary wing that became one of the most feared criminal groups in Mexico. Now, fears are mounting that history could repeat itself if the current covert operations are not carefully managed.

The Risks and Rewards

The deployment of elite US troops into Mexico’s volatile landscape is fraught with danger. If successful, it could significantly weaken CJNG’s leadership and curb their ability to expand their influence. But if it backfires, it could ignite a bloody escalation, unleashing chaos and violence that could spill over into the United States and Central America.

Moreover, the Mexican government faces a delicate balancing act. Officially, Sheinbaum’s administration insists it is fully in control and opposes foreign military intervention. Yet, behind closed doors, there is mounting evidence of cooperation with US agencies, raising questions about Mexico’s sovereignty and its capacity to handle the cartel threat alone.

The Political Game: Sheinbaum’s Taunts and US-Mexico Tensions

Sheinbaum’s Strategic Posturing

President Claudia Sheinbaum, a prominent figure in Mexico’s Morena party, is navigating a treacherous political landscape. On the surface, she projects strength, publicly rejecting any overt US military intervention in Mexico. She emphasizes sovereignty and national pride, asserting that Mexico can handle its own security.

However, leaked intelligence and insider reports suggest her administration has quietly signed off on US operations, allowing special forces to operate on Mexican soil under the guise of training. This covert cooperation aims to bolster Mexico’s fight against the cartels while avoiding international scrutiny and domestic backlash.

The Taunts of “El 3”

Meanwhile, the new CJNG boss, “El 3,” has been taunting Sheinbaum publicly, using social media and clandestine channels to threaten her authority and challenge her government’s ability to control the violence. In a series of messages, “El 3” boasts about expanding CJNG’s influence, striking fear into rival factions, and even mocking Sheinbaum’s efforts to portray Mexico as a strong, independent nation.

This taunting signals a dangerous new phase in the cartel war—one where the criminal organizations are not just fighting for territory but also for psychological dominance. The cartel’s ability to openly threaten the government and threaten violence on social media shows how far the conflict has escalated.

The US-Mexico Relationship: A Dangerous Balance

The covert US military operations are a reflection of the fragile relationship between Mexico and the United States. While publicly, both nations deny any direct military cooperation, behind the scenes, intelligence sharing and secret missions are becoming more common.

President Trump’s aggressive stance—calling for the elimination of cartel leaders and deploying special forces—clashes with Sheinbaum’s insistence on sovereignty. The US sees Mexico as a critical battleground in its broader fight against fentanyl and drug trafficking, while Mexico aims to maintain control over its territory and avoid external interference.

This delicate dance raises profound questions: Is Mexico truly in control? Or is the US quietly asserting its influence through covert operations? And what happens if these efforts trigger a violent backlash from the cartels?

The Dark History of US Intervention in Mexico’s Cartel Wars

The 1990s: A Catastrophic Experiment

The last major US intervention in Mexico’s cartel war was in the mid-1990s when the US 7th Special Forces Group trained Mexican elite troops at Fort Bragg. The goal was to dismantle the notorious Gulf Cartel, then led by Juan Garcia Abrego. The project, costing over $148 million, seemed promising—until it went horribly wrong.

Many of the trained soldiers deserted the Mexican military after returning home, and instead of fighting the cartels, they joined them. These defectors formed Los Zetas, a brutal paramilitary wing capable of executing cold-blooded massacres, beheadings, and mass kidnappings. Their rise transformed the Mexican drug war into a nightmare of unprecedented violence.

Lessons of the Past

The US’s previous attempt to “train” Mexican forces ended in tragedy. Instead of strengthening the state’s capacity, it created a highly trained, highly lethal faction that terrorized communities and destabilized entire regions. The lesson: arming and training military units in a context of corruption and weak institutions can backfire spectacularly.

Today, many experts warn that deploying Green Berets again—without comprehensive reforms and oversight—could lead to similar chaos. The risk of rogue elements, collusion, or accidental escalation remains high.

The Rise of CJNG’s New Leader: El 3

Who Is El 3?

Following the death of Eleno, the legendary CJNG boss, the cartel’s leadership quickly shifted to his stepson, Juan Carlos Valencia Gonzalez, known as “El Trace.” Already with a $5 million bounty on his head, El Trace has stepped into a role fraught with danger and deadly intrigue.

Despite the bounty, El Trace continues to expand CJNG’s influence, leveraging brutal violence, sophisticated logistics, and alliances with other criminal groups. His leadership signifies a new era for the cartel—more aggressive, more technologically savvy, and more willing to challenge government forces.

The Threat of a New Wave of Violence

The emergence of El 3 as the cartel’s new boss raises fears of a wave of violence comparable to the Zetas’ brutal campaigns in the past. With a $5 million bounty hanging over his head, El 3 is likely to double down on ruthless tactics, including targeted assassinations, mass shootings, and public displays of power.

The US and Mexican authorities are on high alert, knowing that capturing or killing El 3 could trigger a violent power vacuum, leading to further chaos and bloodshed.

Why the US Is Increasingly Involved in Mexico’s Cartel War

The Growing Threat of Fentanyl and Synthetic Drugs

One of the primary reasons for US involvement is the surge of fentanyl and synthetic drugs flooding American streets. The cartels’ shift to industrial-scale manufacturing—often in clandestine labs and using chemical precursors smuggled from Asia—has created a deadly epidemic.

By targeting cartel leaders, disrupting supply chains, and destroying labs, the US aims to stem the flow of opioids and save lives.

The Strategic Importance of Mexico

Mexico remains the primary transit route for drugs entering the US, and the cartels’ influence extends deep into Mexican politics, law enforcement, and military institutions. The US sees the country as a critical front in its broader strategy to combat organized crime and regional instability.

However, direct military intervention remains a sensitive issue. Mexico’s government insists on sovereignty, resisting overt US troop deployments. Instead, covert operations, intelligence sharing, and special forces missions have become the new normal.

The Risks of Covert Operations

While covert US military actions can yield short-term successes, they carry significant risks. History shows that such interventions can backfire, leading to increased violence, destabilization, and loss of life.

The case of Los Zetas is a stark reminder: arming or training local forces without proper oversight can create monsters that turn against their creators.

The Future: Escalation or Resolution?

The Possibility of Escalation

With the deployment of Green Berets and the rise of El 3, experts warn that Mexico’s cartel war could spiral into a new, more violent phase. Power struggles, revenge killings, and turf wars could escalate, leading to more mass graves and societal destabilization.

The taunts from CJNG, including threats against Sheinbaum and other officials, suggest that the criminal groups are not just fighting for territory but also for psychological dominance. The risk of a broad, bloody conflict involving multiple factions is very real.

The Hope for a Diplomatic Solution

Despite the escalation, some analysts believe that diplomacy and comprehensive reforms could stabilize the region. Addressing root causes—poverty, corruption, lack of opportunities—and strengthening institutions are long-term solutions.

International cooperation, transparency, and respect for sovereignty are essential. Covert operations should be a last resort, used only when all other options have been exhausted.

The Role of the International Community

The US and Mexico must work together, sharing intelligence and resources, but also respecting each other’s sovereignty. The global community can support efforts to reduce demand for drugs, improve border security, and build resilient institutions.

Conclusion: A Critical Juncture in Mexico’s War on Cartels

The secret deployment of US Green Berets into Mexico marks a turning point in the ongoing battle against organized crime. While the mission aims to eliminate the new CJNG boss and weaken the cartel’s influence, it also raises profound questions about sovereignty, escalation, and the potential for unintended consequences.

As El 3 consolidates power and taunts officials like Sheinbaum, the region stands on the brink of a new, possibly more violent chapter. The world must watch closely, advocating for strategies that prioritize stability, human rights, and long-term peace.

The coming months will reveal whether this covert operation will be a decisive blow or the spark that ignites a broader conflict—one with consequences that could echo far beyond Mexico’s borders.

Thank you for reading this in-depth analysis. Share your thoughts below: Do you believe covert US military operations can succeed in Mexico? Will Sheinbaum’s government withstand the pressure? How can Mexico and the US work together to end this cycle of violence? Stay tuned for ongoing updates in this critical conflict.