Reps. Castro, García, Velázquez Lead Resolution Opposing U.S. Military Action Against Mexico
WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), the highest-ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), and Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez (NY-07) led nearly two dozen members of Congress in introducing a resolution reaffirming the United States’ commitment to respecting Mexico’s sovereignty. The resolution condemns any call for U.S. military action in Mexico without authorization from the U.S. Congress and the consent of the Mexican government. Today’s introduction follows a rise in belligerent rhetoric about Mexico from Trump and high-ranking officials within his administration.
The full text of the resolution can be found here. The resolution is co-sponsored by Reps. Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Greg Casar (TX-35), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Norma Torres (CA-35), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Dina Titus (NV-01), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), André Carson (IN-07), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Raúl Grijalva (AZ-07), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Eleanor Holmes-Norton (DC-ATL), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12).
“Americans have seen enough of endless war. The Trump administration’s threat of military action against Mexico is dangerous and will take us down a dark road,” said Congressman Joaquin Castro. “Mexico is a steadfast U.S. ally and a key partner in our efforts to stop drug trafficking and manage migration. Conflict between our countries would be deadly for border communities and devastating for hundreds of thousands of Texans who make their living from legitimate cross-border trade. This resolution is intended to send a clear message that Congress respects Mexico’s sovereignty and will not tolerate dangerous calls for war at our Southern border.”
“At a time when President Trump and his accomplices attempt to manufacture a pretext to attack Mexico, it is more important than ever to send the message that Congress respects Mexico’s sovereignty and rejects armed interventions as a possible solution to the challenges our two countries are facing,” said Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García. “Invading Mexico would be a dangerous recipe for destabilization and chaos that would allow cartels to thrive and displace large numbers of people, forcing them to migrate.”
"Sending the U.S. military into Mexico would be a disaster with severe consequences for both our country and the world. With reckless rhetoric on the rise, we need levelheaded leaders from both parties to make it clear that Congress will not support such an extreme move. This resolution reaffirms that Congress respects Mexico’s sovereignty and that an unprovoked war with our neighbor is not in the best interest of the United States," said Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez.
“Mexico is our ally and one of our largest trading partners—threatening its sovereignty is reckless and undermines a vital relationship. This resolution makes clear: Democrats won’t tolerate Trump’s dangerous bluster. Unilateral military action against Mexico wouldn’t just violate our Constitution, it would endanger U.S. servicemembers and destabilize our region,” said Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
“The last thing our country needs is another war. Military action in Mexico without Mexico’s consent is dangerous for our entire region. Our resolution raises the alarm and sends a clear message that Congress will not stand for irresponsible military intervention. The safety of our entire region depends on our continued collaboration and partnership,” said Congressman André Carson.
“The United States must remain firmly committed to respecting the sovereignty of Mexico and all of our Latin American partners. Our nations are deeply connected through history, culture, and shared security interests. Reckless calls for unilateral military action without consent or congressional authorization undermine these vital relationships and put regional stability at risk. The future of our people depends on strong, cooperative partnerships that prioritize diplomacy, economic opportunity, and security rooted in mutual respect. We must work together to build a safer, more just, and more prosperous future for generations to come,” said Congresswoman Norma Torres.
“Californians and Angelenos understand the unique importance of the U.S.-Mexico relationship given our proximity and the deep cultural, economic, and social ties that flow from it.” said Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove. “I am glad to join Congressman Castro and my colleagues in introducing this resolution to reaffirm our commitment to our neighbor’s sovereignty and to make it clear that U.S. military action in Mexico cannot take place without Mexico’s consent or proper Congressional authorization. A stable and productive relationship with Mexico allows us to work together to combat crime and drug trafficking and ensure the safety and security of both of our nations.”
“The idea of unilaterally launching military operations in Mexico is reckless, dangerous, and deeply irresponsible. It threatens not only our diplomatic ties but also the safety and economic stability of communities on both sides of the border. We must reject the fearmongering and aggression being pushed by Donald Trump and his administration. Instead, we should focus on real solutions—working alongside Mexico to combat crime, reduce arms trafficking, and strengthen our partnership. I stand firmly in support of this resolution because respect for sovereignty, diplomacy, and cooperation must always come before the politics of division and war,” said Congressman Jonathan Jackson.
Over the last month, President Trump and his advisors have taken steps to establish the groundwork for U.S. military action against Mexico. On January 20, President Trump issued an executive order declaring that the United States faces an invasion at the Southern border. In early February, the State Department designated six Mexican entities as foreign terrorist organizations – the same action that preceded a controversial 2020 drone strike against Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Trump advisor Elon Musk have both floated the possibility of drone strikes against Mexico, echoing previous comments by acting ICE Director Tom Homan, who said in November that President Trump is committed to “using the full might of the United States special operations" against criminal organizations in Mexico. The administration has also increased military surveillance flights in Mexican airspace, raising concerns about possible plans to develop targets for U.S. strikes. During the 118th Congress, Rep. Dan Crenshaw (TX-02) and Rep. Mike Waltz – President Trump’s current National Security Advisor introduced an Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) against select organizations operating in Mexico.
Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum and other national leaders have expressed strong opposition to unilateral U.S. military action in Mexico, warning that such action would strain relations between the two nations. Mexico is one of the top trading partners for the United States, with trade between Texas and Mexico accounting for more than $272 billion in 2023. U.S. conflict with Mexico could cause significant economic harm to the Texas economy and endanger the lives and well-being of families in border communities.
Congressman Castro has introduced several pieces of legislation designed to address vectors of transnational crime. He led the House introduction of the Stop Arming Cartels Act and the Americas Regional Monitoring of Arms Sales Act, two bills that aim to address the flow of firearms from the United States to transnational criminal organizations. U.S. agencies estimate that between 70-90% of crime guns recovered in Mexico can be traced back to the United States.
The resolution is endorsed by the American Friends Service Committee, the Brennan Center for Justice, the Center for Economic Policy and Research, the Center for International Policy, the Center for Victims of Torture, the Council for a Livable World, Demand Progress, Foreign Policy for America, the Friends Committee on National Legislation, Peace Action, Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA), and Win Without War.
“The No War with Mexico Resolution provides a critical and clear message: the U.S. president can’t order airstrikes or raids against Mexican drug cartels without specific authorization from Congress. The Constitution gives Congress, not the president, the authority to determine when, where, and against whom the nation goes to war,” said Katherine Yon Ebright, Counsel for the Liberty & National Security Program at the Brennan Center for Justice
“There are no drone strikes or special forces raids that can take care of our opioid crisis,” said Sara Haghdoosti, Executive Director of Win Without War. “President Trump is selling a false promise to grieving families across our nation as an excuse to grab more executive power and foment a crisis with our southern neighbor, all while he starves public health initiatives that actually save lives.”
“U.S. military action in Mexico would take the failed “drug war” to new extremes, risking even greater violence in Mexico and disastrous consequences across the entire U.S.-Mexico relationship. This resolution affirms the commonsense principle that unilateral military action is neither permissible nor logical as a means to address fentanyl overdose deaths,” said Stephanie Brewer, Director for Mexico, Washington Office on Latin America.