The order stated that "The Cartels have engaged in a campaign of violence and terror throughout the Western Hemisphere that has not only destabilized countries with significant importance for our national interests but also flooded the United States with deadly drugs, violent criminals, and vicious gangs."
Hegseth urged "We’re finally securing our border. We’ve been securing other people’s border for a very long time. The military is orienting, shifting toward an understanding of homeland defense on our sovereign territorial border."
"That is something we will do and do robustly. So we’re already doing it," Hegseth continued, adding "Should there be other options necessary to prevent the cartels from continuing to pour people gangs and drugs and violence into our country — we will take that on."
"So the president will make that call. I’ll work with him in that decision making process. Ultimately, we will hold nothing back to secure the American people," he emphasized.
While campaigning, Trump repeatedly vowed to use the military against the cartels, suggesting that special forces could be deployed in Mexican territory.