Upon taking office, Felipe Calderón faced the alarming rise of drug cartel violence in Mexico, which was particularly acute in the state of Michoacán. The region had become a battleground for rival cartels vying for control over lucrative drug routes and territories. In a decisive move to assert government authority and safeguard public safety, Calderón announced the deployment of military forces to Michoacán. This marked the beginning of a broader security strategy that prioritized confrontational measures against organized crime.

The military offensive was characterized by high-profile operations involving the Mexican army and federal police. These efforts included the establishment of checkpoints, raids on cartel hideouts, and increased patrolling of troubled areas. Not only was the immediate aim to subdue violent criminal organizations, but the operation also sought to send a strong message about the government's commitment to combating drug-related crime. This marked a shift from prior strategies that relied more on occasional police interventions.

The military-led approach attracted both support and criticism. Supporters argued that such a forceful strategy was necessary to restore order and curb violence that had spiraled out of control. Critics, however, raised concerns about the potential for human rights abuses and the militarization of domestic law enforcement. Despite these debates, the initiative set a precedent for subsequent years of intensified military engagement in drug war efforts across Mexico, influencing national security policies.