A group of Democratic lawmakers in the United States introduced a bill in the House of Representatives to block any unauthorized military action against Mexico, after President Donald Trump threatened to “attack the drug cartels on the ground”.
The initiative seeks to prevent the U.S. executive branch from undertaking armed operations on Mexican territory without the approval of the U.S. Congress, amid growing political and rhetorical tension between the two countries.
What is the No Unauthorized War in Mexico Act?
The proposal was named the No Unauthorized War in Mexico Act and is being championed by Congressman Joaquín Castro, a member of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere of the Foreign Affairs Committee.
The initiative is also backed by Congressmembers Sara Jacobs and Greg Stanton, who warned about the political, humanitarian, and diplomatic risks of a possible U.S. military intervention in Mexico.
What does the proposed law prohibit in the United States?
According to the text presented by Castro, the bill prohibits the use of federal public funds to finance any military action in Mexico without express authorization from Congress.
The measure is a direct response to Donald Trump’s statements, in which he has suggested military attacks against Mexican cartels as part of his security rhetoric.
Key points of the bill
- General prohibition: From the enactment of the law until December 31, 2026, no federal funds may be used for military operations in or against Mexico.
- Exceptions:
– If Congress formally declares war on Mexico.
– If a specific authorization for the use of force is approved, pursuant to the War Powers Resolution.
- Additional exception:
– When the use of force is consistent with section 2(c) of the War Powers Resolution, which allows for limited actions under specific circumstances.
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U.S. lawmakers warn of the risk of a conflict with Mexico
In the statement of reasons, the legislators pointed out that the United States has conducted military operations near Mexican coasts without prior legislative authorization, raising concerns about the use of military power without democratic oversight.
Joaquín Castro warned that launching an unnecessary and unauthorized war in Latin America would be a destabilizing decision with grave consequences.
“Launching the United States into another unnecessary conflict could trigger a humanitarian crisis, mass migrations, and human rights violations”, the congressman said.
Impact on the Mexico–United States relationship
Congresswoman Sara Jacobs underscored that a war against Mexico, whether authorized or not, would destroy the relationship with the United States’ main trading partner and would not solve problems such as fentanyl trafficking.
For his part, Greg Stanton described Trump’s rhetoric as dangerous and said that a military intervention in the U.S.’s “backyard” threatens the stability of the hemisphere.
“The fight against organized crime must be carried out thru bilateral cooperation with Mexico, not thru armed confrontation”, he emphasized.
Trump and the controversy over a possible military intervention in Mexico
Donald Trump’s threats against Mexican cartels have sparked concern in both Washington and Mexico, reviving the debate over national sovereignty, the legality of the use of force, and the limits of presidential power in foreign policy.
With this initiative, Democrats seek to close the legal door to any unilateral military action and reaffirm Congress’s role in war decisions.
