Combatting Cartels to Secure Our Southern Border| 11.30.24
In this episode of Morning Wire, Congressman Dan Crenshaw details his bipartisan efforts to combat the reach of Mexican drug cartels in the United States. He discusses potential policy changes and legislation, from increased surveillance and intelligence gathering against cartel operations to harsher penalties for mislabeling of cargo and additional funding for agencies tracking money flows.
Crenshaw also advocates for partnership with Mexico's incoming administration, likening it to past "Narco wars" measures. He compares approaches from the Trump versus Biden administrations and shares insights into cartels' complex networks within the US, from leveraging local criminal groups to using military gear to evade border security.
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1-Page Summary
Crenshaw's Role and Efforts to Combat Mexican Drug Cartels
Congressman Dan Crenshaw is leading a bipartisan task force aimed at curbing Mexican drug cartels' influence, especially in the illegal [restricted term] trade across the US southern border. After criticizing the lack of action in H.R. 2 on cartels, Crenshaw advocated for and now heads this group to research and develop policy recommendations to challenge the cartels' operations.
Recommendations for US policy and legislation to address the cartel threat
Crenshaw discussed legislative actions to enhance intelligence gathering, like reforms to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act permitting collection against cartel affiliates. He advocated for harsher penalties like increased fines for intentional mislabeling of air cargo by cartels. Additionally, Crenshaw emphasized the need for more funding and resources for agencies like HSI that track cartel money flows.
The need for US-Mexico cooperation and partnership
Drawing parallels to the Narco wars in Colombia, Crenshaw expressed optimism for a potential "Plan Mexico" partnership with the incoming Mexican administration to jointly combat the cartels, which he describes as "the most powerful terrorist insurgency in the world."
Comparison of Trump vs. Biden administration approaches to the cartel issue
Crenshaw voiced a preference for the Trump administration's proactive stance, highlighting appointments like former ICE director Tom Homan as signs of dedication to tackling cartels head-on, contrasting it with what he sees as lack of focus from the Biden administration.
Cartel operations and influence within the US
Crenshaw acknowledged that rather than having "card-carrying" members, cartels leverage connections with local criminal organizations in the US to traffic drugs and illicit goods with anonymity. He cited examples of US citizens involved as traffickers, using military gear to evade the Border Patrol, illustrating cartels' complex reach within the country.
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Counterarguments
- Enhancing intelligence gathering through reforms to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act could raise concerns about privacy and civil liberties, and there needs to be a balance between security and individual rights.
- Harsher penalties for mislabeling air cargo could lead to unintended consequences for legitimate businesses that make honest mistakes, suggesting a need for careful implementation of such laws.
- While increased funding for agencies like HSI is proposed, it's important to ensure that these resources are used effectively and do not simply contribute to a bloated bureaucracy.
- The concept of a "Plan Mexico" partnership, while potentially beneficial, may oversimplify the complex socio-political dynamics in Mexico and the sovereignty issues that could arise from such an interventionist approach.
- Preferring the Trump administration's approach to cartels over the Biden administration's could be seen as a partisan perspective, and it's important to evaluate the effectiveness of policies based on outcomes rather than political affiliations.
- The involvement of US citizens in cartel operations suggests that the issue is not solely external and requires domestic policy solutions, including addressing the demand for drugs within the US and socio-economic factors that contribute to criminal behavior.
- The use of military gear by traffickers indicates a need for better control and tracking of military-grade equipment within the United States to prevent its misuse by criminal elements.
Actionables
- You can educate yourself on the signs of drug trafficking and report suspicious activities to authorities to help disrupt local cartel operations. By becoming familiar with the behaviors and signs associated with drug trafficking, such as frequent short trips by different vehicles to a particular location, you can provide valuable tips to law enforcement agencies. This grassroots vigilance can contribute to the larger effort of combating drug cartels.
- Start a community awareness campaign on the dangers of [restricted term] to reduce demand for cartel-supplied drugs. Use social media platforms to share factual information about the risks of [restricted term], including its potency and the potential for overdose. By reducing the demand for these drugs, you indirectly affect the cartels' business model.
- Encourage financial literacy and awareness in your community to help people recognize and report suspicious financial activities. Hosting informal educational sessions or sharing resources online about how to spot signs of money laundering can empower individuals to notice and report unusual financial behaviors, which could be related to cartel money flows.
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Crenshaw's Role and Efforts to Combat Mexican Drug Cartels
Congressman Dan Crenshaw is leading a critical initiative aimed at curbing the influence of Mexican drug cartels, specifically their role in the illegal [restricted term] trade across the southern border of the United States. After Crenshaw highlighted the lack of legislative action in confronting the escalating threats posed by these cartels, he was tasked to head a select task force.
Crenshaw's Advocacy and the Task Force
Crenshaw expressed frustration with the inadequacies of a key border security bill, H.R. 2, which failed to adequately address the complex issues related to cartels. His advocacy for the inclusion of cartel-related provisions prompted the creation of the bipartisan task force. The group’s objective is to conduct thorough research and develop targeted policy recommendations to effectively challenge the cartels’ operations.
Crenshaw is actively working on forming this select committee to address jurisdictional issues hampering legislation and resource allocation. He discussed the formation of a task force to streamline efforts, provide necessary staffing resources, and increase the efficacy of ...
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Crenshaw's Role and Efforts to Combat Mexican Drug Cartels
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Clarifications
- Congressman Dan Crenshaw is leading efforts to combat Mexican drug cartels, focusing on their involvement in the illegal [restricted term] trade. He advocated for the inclusion of cartel-related provisions in a border security bill and now heads a bipartisan task force to address these issues. Crenshaw is working to streamline legislative efforts and increase resources to effectively challenge the cartels' operations. His initiative aims to combine expertise and policymaking to develop a comprehensive approach against the growing threat posed by the cartels.
- The illegal [restricted term] trade involves the trafficking of synthetic opioids like [restricted term], a potent and dangerous drug responsible for many overdose deaths. Mexican drug cartels play a significant role in producing and distributing [restricted term], often smuggling it into the United States. This trade is lucrative for cartels due to the high potency and profitability of [restricted term] compared to other drugs. The connection between Mexican cartels and the [restricted term] trade has led to increased concerns about public health and national security.
- A select task force is a specialized group formed to address specific issues, pooling expertise and resources for focused action. In combating drug cartels, such a task force would conduct research, develop policies, and coordinate efforts to tackle the cartels' operations effectively. It aims to streamline decision-making, enhance collaboration among stakeholders, and propose targeted solutions to combat the threats posed by the cartels. The task force typically operates with a clear mandate, defined objectives, and a structured approach to maximize its impact in addressing the complex challenges associated with drug cartel activities.
- The challenges related to jurisdictional issues in legislation and resource allocation pertain to the complexities arising from different government agencies or entities having specific areas of authority or control. This can lead to overlaps, gaps, or conflicts in addressing issues like combating drug cartels, requiring coordination and cooperation among ...
Counterarguments
- The effectiveness of a task force can be limited by political gridlock, which may prevent the implementation of its recommendations.
- The focus on legislative action may not be sufficient without parallel efforts in international cooperation, intelligence sharing, and addressing the demand side of the drug trade within the U.S.
- The creation of a select committee may lead to jurisdictional overlap and inefficiencies if not properly integrated with existing agencies and efforts.
- The emphasis on punitive measures against cartels might not address the root causes of the drug trade, such as poverty and lack of opportunities in the regions where cartels operate.
- The approach may benefit from a more comprehensive strategy that includes prevention, treatment, and harm reduction strategies to address substance abuse and addiction.
- The success of the initiative may be contingent on sustained bipartisan support, which can be challenging to maintain over time.
- The focus on Mexican drug cartels might overlook th ...
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Recommendations for US policy and legislation to address the cartel threat
In a recent discussion, Crenshaw highlighted a range of proposed and existing legislative measures aimed at strengthening the United States government’s capabilities to combat the cartel-fueled [restricted term] crisis. These include the enhancement of intelligence gathering and the imposition of tougher penalties on those engaged in related illicit activities.
Crenshaw discussed several legislative actions that have been taken or are being proposed to enhance the government's ability to gather intelligence and impose harsher penalties on entities involved in the cartel-fueled [restricted term] crisis.
Crenshaw shed light on the reauthorization of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which has been reformed to permit intelligence collection against entities such as cartel affiliates and Chinese companies involved in the production of [restricted term] precursors. This reform is significant, as the revised FISA now introduces a new category for intelligence collection that encompasses not only cartels themselves but also enables tracking of the broader network including brokers, bankers, transport operators, and manufacturers who contribute to the synthetic opioid trade.
As part of an effort to establish more effective deterrents, Crenshaw underscored the inadequacy of the current $5,000 fine for intentional mislabeling of air cargo, a common tactic used by cartels to smuggle illicit substances. He advocated for a substantial increase in the fines to intensify the consequences for such criminal actions and improve enforcement outcomes.
Crenshaw also emphasiz ...
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Recommendations for US policy and legislation to address the cartel threat
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Enhancing intelligence gathering could raise privacy concerns and may lead to overreach if not properly checked and balanced.
- Tougher penalties might not be as effective as hoped if the root causes of drug trafficking and addiction are not addressed.
- The reauthorization of FISA and its reforms could be criticized for potentially infringing on civil liberties and for the risk of misuse against individuals or groups not involved in criminal activities.
- Increasing fines for mislabeling air cargo could place an undue burden on legitimate businesses if not carefully implemented.
- While increasing funding for agencies like HSI is important, it is also crucial to ensure that the funds are used efficiently and that there is accountability for the results achieved. ...
Actionables
- You can educate yourself on the signs of illicit drug activity and report suspicious behavior to local authorities to aid in intelligence gathering. By recognizing unusual patterns, such as frequent short-term traffic to a particular location or signs of a makeshift lab, and reporting these observations, you contribute to the broader effort of intelligence gathering at a community level.
- Start a community awareness campaign on the dangers of [restricted term] to deter involvement with cartels. Use social media, local bulletin boards, and community meetings to spread information about the risks of [restricted term], how to spot counterfeit pills, and the legal consequences of engaging with cartels. This grassroots approach can make your community less attractive to cartels looking for new recruits or customers.
- Encourage local business ...
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The need for US-Mexico cooperation and partnership
An important comparison is drawn by Crenshaw to emphasize the current situation in Mexico reframed through the lens of the past, particularly involving US-Mexico collaboration.
US and Mexico: Learning from the past for future partnerships
Crenshaw parallels the current climate of strife in Mexico with the Narco wars in Colombia during the 1990s. He highlights Mexico's historical hesitance to engage in security cooperation with the U.S., potentially due to lingering sentiments from events like the Mexican-American War.
A Vision for Joint Efforts
Crenshaw projects optimism for the future, expressing hope that the incoming Mexican administration would entertain a more open stance towards a "Plan Mexico" partnership. This co ...
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The need for US-Mexico cooperation and partnership
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Historical hesitance from Mexico towards security cooperation with the U.S. may not solely be due to past conflicts like the Mexican-American War, but also due to concerns over sovereignty, past instances of U.S. intervention in Latin American affairs, and the potential for unequal benefits from such cooperation.
- The comparison between Mexico's current situation and Colombia's Narco wars in the 1990s might oversimplify the unique political, social, and economic contexts of each country, potentially leading to ineffective policy recommendations if not carefully tailored to Mexico's current circumstances.
- The concept of a "Plan Mexico" could be criticized for potentially imposing a one-size-fits-all solution without considering Mexico's specific needs and the potential for unintended consequences, such as human rights violations, which have been associated with Plan Colombia.
- The categorization of cartels as "the most powerful terrorist insurgency in the world" could be challenged as an oversimplification that may not accurately reflect the complex nature of organized crime and its differ ...
Actionables
- You can deepen your understanding of US-Mexico relations by reading a book on the history of the Mexican-American War, which will provide context for current diplomatic challenges.
- By learning about the historical events that shape Mexico's current stance on security cooperation, you'll gain insight into the complexities of international relations. For example, "War of a Thousand Deserts" by Brian DeLay offers a comprehensive look at the conflicts and their long-term effects.
- You can support organizations that work towards international cooperation by donating or volunteering.
- Contributing to groups that facilitate cross-border dialogue and collaboration can have a ripple effect on policy and international relations. For instance, consider supporting the Border Network for Human Rights, which promotes understanding and joint initiatives between communities across the US-Mexico border.
- You can start a book club focused on literature about international secur ...
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Comparison of Trump vs. Biden administration approaches to the cartel issue
The political approaches of the Trump and Biden administrations towards handling cartel-related threats vary notably, with certain individuals having strong opinions on their effectiveness and focus.
Trump Administration's Proactive Stance
Representative Dan Crenshaw has voiced a strong preference for the Trump administration’s strategies in dealing with cartels, suggesting that the previous administration displayed more commitment to tackling the issue head-on.
Crenshaw has highlighted the Trump administration's overt support for combating drug cartels as a sign of its dedication to the problem. He points out the appointment of officials like former ICE director Tom Homan, arguing that such moves exemplified the administration’s serious approach and readiness for legislative action to mitigate the cartel threat.
According to Crenshaw, this w ...
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Comparison of Trump vs. Biden administration approaches to the cartel issue
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The effectiveness of an administration's approach to cartels cannot be solely judged by its vocal stance or the appointment of certain officials; it also requires a comprehensive assessment of policy outcomes and impacts on cartel activities.
- The Biden administration may have a different strategic approach to cartels that focuses on root causes such as economic instability and addiction issues, which could be argued as a more sustainable long-term solution.
- The Biden administration might prioritize multilateral cooperation and diplomatic efforts over unilateral actions, which could be seen as a more effective way to dismantle international criminal organizations.
- The perception of a lack of focus or political will in the Biden administration could be challenged by pointing out specific policies or initiatives that have been undertaken to combat cartels, which may not be as publicly visible or overt as those in the Trump administration.
- The success in combating cartels often involves covert operations and intelligence work, which may not be immediately apparent or publicly acknowledged, potentially giving the impression of inaction or lack of focus.
- The approach to national security threats, including cartels, often involves a balance bet ...
Actionables
- You can educate yourself on the policies and actions of different administrations regarding cartel activity by reading government reports and statements from both the Trump and Biden administrations to form your own informed opinion.
- Understanding the nuances of policy can be complex, but government websites often provide summaries and fact sheets that break down their strategies and initiatives. For example, you could compare the National Drug Control Strategy documents released by each administration to see how their approaches to cartels differ.
- You can engage in community awareness by starting a blog or social media page that shares information on the impact of cartels and the importance of policy in combating them.
- By creating content that highlights the real-world consequences of drug trafficking and cartel operations, you can inform others and foster a community that values proactive measures. For instance, you might write about the ripple effects of drug cartels on local communities, using research and statistics to illustrate the need for effective policies.
- You can support organizations that work towards comba ...
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Cartel operations and influence within the US
Crenshaw addresses the sophisticated and indirect methods by which cartels exert influence within the United States, emphasizing that the problem is intricate and pervasive.
Crenshaw acknowledged the complex nature of cartel involvement in the US
In detailing the operations of cartels within the United States, Crenshaw remarked that there are not necessarily "card-carrying" cartel members present on U.S. soil. Instead, cartels have strategically woven deep connections with local criminal organizations. These relationships allow cartels to traffic drugs and other illicit goods into the country with an increased level of anonymity and reduced risk.
Crenshaw cited examples of US citizens and residents engaging in cartel-related activities
Crenshaw pointed to examples involving U.S. citizens and residents to illustrate the grim reality of the cartels' expanding influence. He mentions that traffickers crossing the border are often U.S. citizens, which complicates the narrative about who is involved in ...
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Cartel operations and influence within the US
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The extent of cartel influence within the United States might be overstated, as law enforcement agencies have had significant successes in disrupting their operations.
- The connections between local criminal organizations and cartels may not always be as deep as suggested, with some local groups operating independently of cartels.
- The involvement of U.S. citizens in cartel activities could be a result of socioeconomic factors that are not directly related to the cartels' influence.
- The presence of individuals with military gear and night vision cameras could be indicative of other issues, such as domestic militia groups, rather than direct ties to cartels.
- The narrative might inadvertently stigmatize communities living near the border, implying a higher level of criminal involvement than is accurate.
- The strategies curren ...
Actionables
- You can increase awareness by sharing information on social media about the signs of local cartel activity, using hashtags to reach a broader audience. By posting about unusual behaviors or signs of trafficking, you can help your community stay alert. For example, if you notice an increase in luxury vehicles in an area known for low-income housing, share it online with a hashtag like #CommunityWatch.
- Start a neighborhood watch program that focuses on recognizing the indirect methods used by cartels, such as unusual traffic patterns or properties that have high-security measures. This initiative could involve regular meetings to educate participants on what to look out for and how to report suspicious activities safely. For instance, if there's a house on your street that has an unusual number of visitors at odd hours, discuss it at your neighborhood watch meeting.
- Encourage ...
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1-Page Summary- Crenshaw's Role and Efforts to Combat Mexican Drug Cartels
- Recommendations for US policy and legislation to address the cartel threat
- The need for US-Mexico cooperation and partnership
- Comparison of Trump vs. Biden administration approaches to the cartel issue
- Cartel operations and influence within the US
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