What actions did the Trump administration take against drug cartels in Mexico?

The Trump administration initiated a significant crackdown on drug cartels beginning with an executive order signed on January 20 that called for intensified efforts against major cartels. According to reports, the administration also planned to designate approximately half a dozen Mexican cartels and criminal groups as foreign terrorist organizations. This designation would grant the US government expanded powers to impose economic sanctions on these groups and affiliated entities. The strategy represents an escalation in the approach to combating drug trafficking organizations operating from Mexico, treating them with the same legal framework as terrorist groups.