Republican leaders in the United States have been advocating for the use of military force to combat Mexican drug cartels. This proposal has raised concerns and sparked a debate about its feasibility and potential consequences.

During a recent GOP presidential candidate debate, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stated that he would send the U.S. military into Mexico on "day one" if elected. DeSantis and other proponents argue that targeting the cartels would send a strong message and help reduce the flow of fentanyl across the border. However, experts question the effectiveness of such a strategy, pointing out that the cartels don't have traditional bases and could easily evade military intervention.

Former Vice President Mike Pence and former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson also expressed support for some form of military involvement, but emphasized the need for cooperation with Mexico in their enforcement efforts. However, opponents argue that unilateral military action by the U.S. could have negative consequences for U.S.-Mexico relations, which are already complex and delicate.

The exact nature of military action against the cartels remains unclear. The U.S. Department of Defense declined to comment on what a cartel strategy might look like. Some lawmakers have proposed legislation to authorize the use of military force against Mexican drug cartels, but the details of such legislation have not yet been specified.

Overall, the question of whether military action against Mexican drug cartels would be effective is still up for debate. Critics argue that it could potentially lead to an endless war with limited impact on drug trafficking, while proponents believe it could help disrupt cartel operations and reduce the flow of drugs.