DeSantis open to using drone attacks on drug cartels in Mexico

CORAVILLE, Iowa (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis said on the campaign trail he would be wiling to use drones to take out drug cartels in Mexico.

“Yes, I’ve already said that,” the governor replied after a reporter question. “We will absolutely reserve the right. If they are invading this country and killing our people, we have the right to defend this country.”

DeSantis said it’s a method to hold the cartels accountable, especially if Mexico does not.

“And if Mexico’s not going to help us with that, well, then we’re going to have to do what we have to do,” he explained.

When asked again whether he would use drones on Mexican drug cartels, the governor responded with he would “use whatever force we needed to defend the country.”

“They’re killing tens of thousands of Americans right now. They’re trafficking people into this country,” DeSantis said. “They’re abusing people, sexual abuse. It’s really the worst of humanity.”

The governor went on further to say he wants them categorized as “something akin to a foreign terrorist organization.”

Securing the border has been a pinnacle of the governor’s campaign for president in 2024.

In his border plan unveiled in June, the governor said he it would be a day one priority.

His campaign said the Mexican government will be expected to assist in cracking down on the cartels, and that if they “drag [their feet],” he will “reserve the right” to send the military across the border and across water bodies to block cartel supplies from entering Mexico.

“If the Mexican government won’t stop cartel drug manufacturing, DeSantis will surge resources to the Navy and the Coast Guard and block precursor chemicals from entering Mexican ports,” his campaign promised.