Trump’s War Against Cartels Heats Up, Border Czar Announces Aggressive Strategy

President Trump’s Border Czar Tom Homan has revealed a sweeping, aggressive strategy to combat drug cartels using the full might of federal resources, marking a stark contrast to the Biden administration’s border approach.

Quick Takes

Trump declares war on cartels during the recent address to Congress.
The Trump administration designated Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations to dismantle their operations.
The administration’s strategy includes battling cartels globally, not just at the southern border.
Homan emphasized that cartels operate in every major American city, representing a critical national security threat.
Trump has already secured the capture of 29 cartel leaders through cooperation with Mexican authorities.
Border Patrol agent Roberto Ortiz was recognized by Trump for his bravery after being attacked by cartel members near the Rio Grande.

Full Federal Power Against Cartels

Tom Homan, appointed as Border Czar in the Trump administration, has outlined a comprehensive approach to combat drug cartels that extends beyond American borders. The strategy involves using federal resources to target these criminal organizations not just along the southern border but globally. This approach represents a significant escalation in America’s fight against cartels, which have established operations in major cities across the United States. Homan’s statements indicate the administration views these cartels as a direct threat to national security requiring immediate and decisive action.

Tom Homan Tells Daily Wire: Trump Will Use ‘Full Might’ Of Government To Crush Cartelshttps://t.co/5qQKiIWtzV

— Bill Missen (@my3kidsfather) March 5, 2025

One of the cornerstones of Trump’s strategy involves officially designating Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. This designation, already implemented through executive order, provides federal agencies with expanded powers to target cartel finances, operations, and leadership. The classification as terrorist entities allows for more aggressive actions against these groups and provides additional legal tools to prosecute those associated with cartel activities. The administration believes this formal designation will significantly hamper cartel operations by cutting off funding sources and limiting their ability to move money across borders.

Early Results and Border Security

According to Homan, the Trump administration has already demonstrated its effectiveness in border security, drastically reducing illegal crossings. The Border Czar highlighted that the new approach has yielded tangible results in a remarkably short timeframe. The administration has also secured the capture of 29 cartel leaders through cooperation with Mexican authorities, demonstrating the effectiveness of their cross-border enforcement strategy. These early successes point to the potential long-term impact of Trump’s comprehensive anti-cartel approach.

“What he did in three weeks the Biden administration failed to do in four years. We’ve had the lowest border numbers in history of the United States border, and that’s not an exaggeration … President Trump did that in four weeks, so imagine what he is going to do in the next 47 months.” – Tom Homan

Homan emphasized that cutting off cartel funding through enhanced border security is central to the strategy. By limiting illegal border crossings, the administration aims to reduce the cartels’ ability to smuggle drugs and people into the United States, severely impacting their revenue streams. The Border Czar has repeatedly stressed that secure borders are essential not just for immigration control but as a crucial element in the broader fight against cartel influence. This approach recognizes the interconnected nature of border security and the fight against transnational criminal organizations.

Declaration of War on Cartels

In a joint address to Congress, President Trump made his intentions clear regarding drug cartels, declaring it was “time for America to wage war on the cartels.” This strong language reflects the administration’s view of cartels as an existential threat to American security. Trump cited specific cases of violent crimes committed by gang members who entered the country illegally, personalizing the threat posed by these criminal organizations. The president’s rhetoric signals a significant shift in how the federal government approaches the cartel problem, treating it as a direct national security issue rather than solely a law enforcement matter.

During the same address, Trump recognized Border Patrol agent Roberto Ortiz for his bravery after being shot at by cartel members near the Rio Grande in Texas. By highlighting Ortiz’s actions in protecting his partner during the attack, Trump personalized the dangers faced by law enforcement personnel on the southern border. This recognition served to underscore the ongoing threat posed by cartels and the administration’s commitment to supporting those on the frontlines of this conflict. The administration’s strategy combines aggressive enforcement with public recognition of the dangers faced by law enforcement personnel tasked with securing America’s borders.