As the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump looms, experts are voicing concerns over his proposed strategy to combat drug cartels in Mexico.
Trump's declaration that "It's now time for America to wage war on the cartels" has sparked a heated debate, with many fearing that a U.S. military operation in Mexico could have dire consequences.
According to Newsweek, Trump's plan to tackle these criminal organizations involves a return to his previous border policies, full military support to fight cartel trafficking, and the implementation of a naval blockade. He also proposes the use of Special Forces and cyber warfare to disrupt cartel operations. Moreover, Trump advocates for the classification of cartels as terrorist organizations, a move aimed at severing their international financial lifelines.
Carolyn Gallaher, a professor specializing in guerrilla and paramilitary violence at American University's School of International Service, expressed her concerns about Trump's approach, stating, "All you do is create a succession crisis." She went on to explain that "a succession crisis in a drug cartel looks different than a succession crisis in, like, [Rupert] Murdoch's empire, right? It's basically settled with violence."
Trump's aggressive stance aligns with that of South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who has been pushing for the classification of Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations. This classification would grant the president the authority to take military action against them.
The arrest of Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, a long-standing leader of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel, in July, has led to violent clashes between rival factions within the state of Sinaloa. A cartel war has ensued between Los Chapitos, the sons of Joaqun "El Chapo" Guzmn, and supporters of Zambada.
To execute his immigration agenda, Trump has appointed several hardline officials. Tom Homan, former Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director, has been chosen as border czar, while adviser Stephen Miller has been appointed as deputy chief of staff for policy. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has been nominated for the top job as the Department of Homeland Security secretary.
Homan, during a speech at the Republican National Committee, warned Mexican cartels that Trump would wipe them "off the face of the earth." He also cautioned that the Trump administration would designate Mexican cartels as "terrorist organizations" due to their role in smuggling fentanyl across the southern border.
Gallaher, speaking to Rolling Stone, suggested a rethink of strategy, stating, "You have to go back and think of a new strategy." She added, "And going and killing capos is not only not a new strategy, but it is the most failed part of the strategy on both sides of the border."
Trump has vowed that notorious crime syndicates and drug kingpins will "never sleep soundly" again once his plans are set in motion. He stated, "The drug cartels are waging war on Americaand it's now time for America to wage war on the cartels." He further accused the cartels and their "allies in the Biden administration" of having "the blood of countless millions on their hands."
Trump's aggressive stance against the cartels was reiterated in a video statement released after his victory over Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris, where he declared, "We will show no mercy on the cartels."
Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham expressed her support for Trump, stating, "Once President-Elect Trump takes office on January 20, 2025, I look forward to working closely with him and his team to repair the damage done by the Biden-Harris administration's disastrous open-border policies."
Representative Chip Roy (TX-21) echoed this sentiment on KTSA radio in November, stating, "Even the military ought to be used as necessary to take out the cartels, and if we need to pass the authorization of the use of military force to go take out the cartels, then so be it. I am tired of these individuals targeting Americans."
Trump's return to office on January 20, backed by his repeated pledges to crack down on cartels and crime syndicates, has been fueled by his stance on immigration and border security. With Republicans regaining control of the presidency and Senate, along with the House, their aggressive agenda may face minimal resistance.
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