Luis’s terrifying experience has become commonplace in Mexico. Extortion is one of the country’s most prevalent and fastest-growing crimes. Between 2016 and 2025, the number of reported extortion cases nearly doubled. According to the Global Organized Crime Index, Mexico is one of the world’s top five countries for extortion and racketeering, along with Libya, Colombia, Honduras and Somalia.

Rising Extortion and Silent Victims

In the first four months of 2026, there were nearly 3,600 cases nationwide, according to official figures. Yet the true number is likely far higher: only 0.2% of extortion cases are reported, largely out of fear of reprisals, making it Mexico’s most “silent” crime. Luis, who asked not to use his real name for fear of reprisals, insisted that the drugs weren’t his, but the officers didn’t seem to care. They shoved him into the back of the police truck and drove into the night.

Government and Military Challenges

Recent public statements from the White House and news media reports suggest that the United States is preparing for military action against Mexico’s drug cartels. On January 20, 2025, the president designated six Mexican cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. The situation is complicated, and the United States must be prepared for possible counteractions. The cartels are not a single actor. If attacked, they may avoid direct confrontation, accepting temporary losses, anticipating that the United States will not sustain a long campaign. Or Mexico’s cartels may respond violently, exploiting U.S. vulnerabilities in Mexico,and possibly north of the border.

Escalating Threats and Protection Fees

The government of Mexico is a separate actor. It can assist or undermine U.S. efforts. Past government campaigns against the cartels led to soaring rates of criminal violence. Chaos in Mexico could have serious implications for U.S. homeland security. The United States needs a ‘Red Team’ to examine a range of scenarios. The article proceeds in six parts: Part I contrasts recent U.S. military actions in Yemen and Iran with possible military action in Mexico. Part II examines perceptions of the threat. Part III examines how the history of U.S.-Mexico relations will shape the battlefield. Part IV reviews our own experience in combating foreign drug traffickers, offering some preliminary takeaways. Part V examines possible options. Part VI looks at how the cartels might react, how the United States might be forced to respond—and how other adversaries of the United States might attempt to exploit the situation.

The frightening ordeal lasted hours, as the police drove him all over the Mexican city, threatening him, mocking him and sexually assaulting him. It was only once the officers had drained both of Luis’ bank accounts and taken all his cash – totalling about $870, that he was released. “If you tell anyone what happened, we’re going to find you,” said one of the officers, according to Luis. “Where do you think you could file a complaint? There’ll be someone there who’s going to tell us and then we’re going to kill you and everyone close to you.

According to The Guardian, it was about 11pm and Luis was about to get into an Uber to go home when the police car pulled up. One of the officers frisked him and produced two plastic bags with what looked like drugs: one contained some sort of powder, the other little crystals. Luis had never seen them before. The article from the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point discusses the military considerations and potential U.S. responses to the growing cartel threat in Mexico.