During a recent two-night immersion with one of Mexico’s largest drug cartels, it became apparent that the group exhibits little concern over President Donald Trump’s plans targeting them. Their actions suggested a business-as-usual mindset as they showcased smuggled firearms and drugs.
While embedded with cartel members during the week of Trump’s inauguration, it was evident that apprehension about the president’s directives was minimal. A cartel member confidently stated, “We’re not worried. This is day-to-day. This is what we’re going to do,” as they unloaded rifles and handguns from concealed compartments in an SUV that had just crossed the U.S. border.
Passing through an official port of entry, the group noted that every firearm they trafficked was sourced in the U.S. The Mexican Department of Foreign Relations estimates that between 70% and 90% of guns in Mexico come from the United States.
“It’s easy to find them in the U.S.,” one member explained. “In Mexico, the process is much more restrictive; not everyone is approved for these types of weapons.”
While Trump has expressed alarm over the flow of fentanyl from Mexico into the U.S., the cartel’s operations continued unabated. Shortly after showcasing the firearms, they loaded five bags of fentanyl, calibrated to smuggle 10,000 pills valued at $50,000. The ease of smuggling such potent substances dramatically reshapes the drug landscape, contributing to a staggering number of overdose fatalities.
Despite Trump’s designation of cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, cartel members indicated U.S. special forces have long been present in Mexico for training and operational support. “They’ve been here for a long time,” a smuggler claimed. “The U.S. military has sent people here.”
Later, in a different part of the border town, we visited a modest house where armed men facilitated the final steps of illegal crossings for two Indian families. Human smuggling emerged as another lucrative aspect of the cartel’s operations. A masked smuggler remarked that increased demand for services may arise due to Trump’s immigration policies.
With potential mass deportations looming, prices for smuggling could rise, as the cartel pitches their services as essential for crossing the border. Independent researchers affirm that human smuggling escalated during the Biden administration, with cartels profiting significantly.
Despite Trump’s threats to combat these issues, smugglers expressed confidence that demand remains unaltered. A smuggler framed the situation succinctly: “The deal is already done… We have to keep sending people [into the U.S.].”
While cartel members acknowledged that increased scrutiny could complicate their operations, they dismissed the notion that the activities could ever cease due to persistent demand from both drug consumers and migrants seeking entry into the U.S.
Whether this posturing signifies true indifference or is merely bravado remains to be seen. However, as things stand, drug and human trafficking persist, leaving the impact of Trump’s initiatives uncertain.
Credit: ABC News