Staff Reports
In a significant step toward enhancing national security, the current administration has officially labeled drug cartels as terrorist organizations. This designation, enacted by President Donald Trump through an executive order on January 20, 2025, has been long-awaited and is seen as a crucial action in the ongoing battle against the influx of drugs and violence from the southern border. Former FBI agents and security experts have voiced their approval, citing that these cartels pose one of the greatest threats to the United States. The toll from drug-related fatalities has surpassed that of many traditional terrorist groups, highlighting an urgent need for a robust response.
The executive order characterizes cartels as a national security threat, distinguishing them from conventional organized crime. It asserts that these groups have waged a “campaign of violence and terror across the Western Hemisphere,” resulting in destabilizing consequences such as an influx of “lethal drugs, violent offenders, and brutal gangs” into the United States. The order mandates that the U.S. State Department provide recommendations within 14 days regarding whether specific cartels should be labeled as foreign terrorist organizations.
A former agent explained that the military has capabilities that could be effectively employed against the cartels. With the cartels operating with funding that rivals some national governments, they exploit gaps and vulnerabilities in U.S. security. This calls for a strategic approach where special military units could be deployed to assist Border Patrol, especially in high-threat areas where agents are outnumbered and under fire. The emphasis is on traditional law enforcement tactics and unconventional operations targeting the cartels’ logistics and supply chains. By hitting them where it hurts, the hope is to disrupt operations and limit their ability to wreak havoc.
Compounding the issue, many arrests of cartel members result in a backlog in the justice system due to a shortage of prosecutors. This means dangerous individuals are often left in jails at taxpayers’ expense, causing frustration for law enforcement and civic leaders alike. The importance of a streamlined system for capturing and prosecuting criminals involved in cartel activities cannot be overstated. Without it, efforts to curb cartel influence could stall, leading to greater chaos along the border.
The conversation has also extended to the possibility of military action on foreign soil, specifically targeting cartel operations in Mexico. The Defense Secretary indicated that such an option should remain on the table, especially when facing unknown dangers that could arise from the cartels’ evolving tactics. Discussions about utilizing advanced military technology to disrupt cartel communications and operations are underway. This could include measures similar to those used against ISIS, where intelligence and technology played key roles in dismantling networks.
Ultimately, the stakes are high, with cartels not only presenting a criminal threat but also engaging in activities that endanger American lives. Experts suggest that a coordinated approach combining military presence and advanced technology could serve as a powerful deterrent. If the Mexican government opposes these actions, it raises further questions about their stance on cartel operations and the overall safety of the region. With the acknowledgment of cartels as terrorists, it’s evident that the fight against these organizations is far from over, and a robust strategy is essential for securing the future.
