Sending handfuls of men to fight an entire culture.
You forget the equipment, training (sniper), clandestine experience in Special Operations these best of the best Spec Op guys have. Don't forget the Intel.
Compared to some few Cartel bosses and their lieutenants, most are just like any other inner city thug, their training is lacking. If President Trump sends in Delta and Seals, we have a long haul but eventually will break the back of the Cartels. This is quite an opportunity.
The only reason the cartels get any support is fear, intimidation and money. Once we show people we can wipe them out anytime we want with military force AND economic pressure they won't be back.
Scheinbaum and other assorted politicians will stomp their feet and scream from the hilltops about the Gringo Invasion. But when they regular people can go out safely again their minds were change. See El Salvador with Bukele.