Deployment of CIA Drones by Trump Administration for Surveillance of Mexican Drug Cartels

The CIA has initiated covert MQ-9 Reaper drone missions over Mexico to surveil drug cartels, expanding U.S. intelligence activities along the southern border. Director John Ratcliffe aims to combat narcotics trafficking using counterterrorism tactics. The increased CIA involvement has implications for U.S.-Mexico relations and border security. Though the drones are currently unarmed, there is a possibility of classifying cartels as terrorist groups, potentially leading to military intervention and diplomatic issues.