The Mexican Army and National Guard seized more than three dozen firearms, an enormous cache of ammunition and narcotics in four operations across the country in the first days of 2026. The Soldiers and Guardsmen also arrested three people in the sweeps in Chihuahua, Nuevo León, Oaxaca and Sonora as part of a continued effort to dismantle transnational criminal organizations, or TCOs, in the country. The military operations demonstrate Mexico’s commitment to establishing security and stability along the shared border with the United States.
The recent arrests and seizures follow a pattern established soon after President Claudia Sheinbaum assumed office in October 2024. Large quantities of drugs, including fentanyl, have been confiscated and dozens of cartel leaders have been sent to the U.S. to stand trial. “We are combating organized crime groups, there can be no doubt about this,” Sheinbaum said in 2025, according to The New York Times. “We are going after organized crime.”
The four operations were on January 3. In Nuevo León, Soldiers and Guardsmen while on a surveillance and reconnaissance patrol secured four .50-caliber rifles, capable of penetrating armor, and two improvised explosive devices (IED) along with 10 additional firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. The troops also seized tactical equipment and four vehicles. The evidence was turned over to legal authorities. “In this way, the National Guard, the Army, and the Air Force reaffirm the unwavering decision of the federal government to inhibit organized crime activities and reaffirm their commitment to protecting and safeguarding the peace and security of the population. Army, Air Force, and National Guard, the Great Force of Mexico,” according to a news release from the Secretariat of National Defense (DEFENSA). On the same day in the Sonoran city of Navojoa Hermosillo, the Army and National Guard captured 21 firearms, a vehicle, and 146 cartridges and 14 ammunition magazines, according to the DEFENSA release.
Three people were arrested in similar operations in Chihuahua and Oaxaca. A patrol of National Guardsmen, Soldiers and State Police in San Miguel Panixtlahuaca Ixcotel arrested one person and secured an assault rifle, handgun and ammunition. Two more people were arrested in Ciudad Juárez in Chihuahua by Soldiers, Guardsmen and members of the State Public Security Secretariat executing a surveillance and vigilance patrol. Troops also seized marijuana, methamphetamine, two firearms, a vehicle, ammunition and $693.
Mexico’s recent success in combating TCOs reflects a close working relationship with the U.S. military. In February 2025, Gen. Gregory M. Guillot, commander of the U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command, and Gen. Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, DEFENSA secretary, discussed ways to secure the Mexico-U.S. border. The countries signed a joint statement to launch coordinated patrols and increase information sharing. “The conversation and agreements emphasize that each country will respect the sovereignty of the other. Both General Trevilla and General Guillot expect their agreement will enable further conversations and coordination to ensure the mutual security of both countries,” according to a USNORTHCOM news release.