Trump Claims ‘Full Blast’ War on Mexican Cartels Has Begun
President Trump announces intensified efforts against drug cartels in Mexico amid rising tensions with U.S. law enforcement.
2 min read
President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that the U.S. is now engaging in a ‘full blast’ war on Mexican drug cartels, following months of targeted operations. The remarks were made during a Rose Garden luncheon with first responders, where Trump highlighted the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and cartel activity across the border.
Escalating Tensions with Cartels
Trump stated that while efforts to disrupt drug trafficking by sea have seen significant success, with drug seizures down 97 percent, the focus is now shifting to land-based operations. He emphasized that the ‘full blast’ targeting of cartels on land is ‘starting,’ though he admitted that the effort is still in its early stages.
The remarks came amid reports of increased hostilities between U.S. law enforcement and Mexican cartels. Earlier this month, U.S. Coast Guard personnel reportedly exchanged gunfire with individuals in Starr County, Texas, and a Mexican cartel threatened to kidnap federal agents at the Texas-Mexico border. In response, hundreds of additional U.S. troops have been deployed to the Rio Grande Valley to bolster security.
Collaboration and Challenges
Trump claimed that the U.S. has ‘hit the cartels hard,’ but he criticized Mexico for its inability to control cartel activity, stating that ‘the cartels run Mexico.’ He also noted that the U.S. is working closely with Mexican authorities, though the effectiveness of such collaboration remains questionable.
Despite the focus on land-based operations, Trump continued to stress the importance of maritime efforts, arguing that the ocean provides a more difficult avenue for trafficking and that a significant portion of drugs enter the U.S. through these routes. He also warned that the cartels are aware of their limited time to adjust and that the U.S. will continue to target them with increasing intensity.
Recent Deployments and Border Security
The deployment of additional troops to the border underscores the growing concern over cross-border crime and the need for enhanced security measures. As the U.S. intensifies its efforts against cartels, the situation along the border continues to evolve, with significant implications for both national security and international relations.
Source: The Gateway Pundit
