DeSantis Contemplates Missile Strikes on Mexican Drug Cartels

Photo byPhoto 287063983 | Desantis © Jhansen2

If Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is elected president, he will not rule out using missiles to attack drug cartels in Mexico, stating, however, that it would depend on the circumstances.

"We would use all available — the tactics, I think, can be debated. If you have something you want to accomplish, people would brief you on the different ways you'd be able to do it," DeSantis said.

The presidential candidate was explicitly questioned about whether he would approve of an aerial attack within the neighboring country. He started to reply but changed his mind.

DeSantis, the most vocal 2024 GOP presidential candidate for employing military force at the border, clearly supported firing missiles against the southern neighbor. 

In a presidential debate in August, he declared that he would send American special troops across the border, a claim later softened by his campaign spokesman.

DeSantis' response was challenged, arguing that moving missiles and personnel into Mexico represents a material departure from the previous strategy of stationing the military only along the southern border.

He circumvented the issue, saying that the president must use lethal force to stop the traffickers from "overrunning our border."

DeSantis has declared time and time again that he would give the go-ahead for troops to use "deadly force" against cartel members.

The governor specified who would be targeted when asked if the military would be permitted to shoot migrants who were crossing the border. 

He claimed that a woman having a child would not be the main subject.

DeSantis worked as a military lawyer in the Judge Advocate General's Corps, which has prompted inquiries as to why the governor claimed that it is legal under the rules of engagement to shoot people crossing the border while carrying backpacks.

However, he said such action would stop future cartel members from entering the United States.

Do you think employing missiles and lethal force against drug cartels and border crossers a viable solution?

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