The defense secretary’s told Mexican security officials the U.S. was ready to take unilateral action against the country’s drug cartels.

The Wall Street Journal (paywall), citing sources briefed on discussions during the Jan. 31 call, on Friday wrote that the alleged threat stemmed from U.S. concerns over the Mexican government’s alleged links with drug cartels.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth suggested on a call with leaders in Mexico last month that U.S. military action inside their country was on the table if they did not take on drug cartels, according to a report published Friday.