Cartel Crack Squad Proposed for Texas: 'Show of Force'

A Texas Republican is calling for a more aggressive stance against drug cartels operating along the U.S.-Mexico border, arguing that the United States must go on the offense rather than remain defensive.

"We don't need to be cowering in our holes," Congressman Keith Self told Newsweek. "We need to be threatening the cartels, like I tried to do, to tell them, 'You do not want to go to war with the United States."

Why It Matters

Donald Trump has already signed an executive order designating Mexican drug cartels and other Latin American groups like the Venezuelan crime syndicate Tren de Aragua (TdA) as terrorist organizations.

Trump's order states that these groups "threaten the safety of the American people, the security of the United States, and the stability of the international order in the Western Hemisphere."

The president has previously floated the possibility of deploying U.S. troops into Mexico to combat the country's powerful crime lords and said it "could happen."

What to Know

Self emphasized that the U.S. must take reasonable but firm action to combat cartel violence and protect American citizens and law enforcement officers. He stressed the importance of diplomatic pressure and a visible show of strength to send a clear message to criminal organizations.

It comes after border agents in Texas were placed on high alert as a memo warned of potential attacks from the Mexican side of the border.

A memo obtained by NewsNation from the Rio Grande Valley Sector Operations Center warns agents in the sector about an alleged plan by an organized cartel based in Matamoros, Mexico, to deploy a shooter targeting U.S. law enforcement or military personnel from across the border.

Meanwhile, two weeks ago, suspected cartel members fired on Border Patrol agents in Fronton, Texas, from across the Mexican border. Drone footage from the Texas Department of Public Safety shows the suspects fleeing after the attack.

Self has called for further resources to help keep Border Patrol agents on the front lines safe from the cartels.

"They wear, of course, their vests and their body armor," he noted.

"But beyond that, we need to make sure that they've got some sort of a cover, some sort of a rapid response force backing them up. But frankly, we need to let the cartels know, both diplomatically and by show of force, that we're serious about this," he said.

In addition to a stronger deterrence strategy, Self is pushing for increased resources for border enforcement efforts. He said that regardless of how legislative negotiations unfold, securing necessary funding will remain a top priority to reinforce border security.

"What we are going to do is we're going to, in the reconciliation package, regardless of how that comes out, get them the resources that they need and do it fairly quickly. So, yes, whether it's one package or two, I will tell you we're going to get them resources soon so that they can continue to detain people rather than having to release them. And then so that they have the money to repatriate them back to their home country.

"Getting them the resources they need to execute the Trump agenda is the priority," Self said.

His remarks reflect a push among conservatives to take a harder line against cartel activity.

What People Are Saying

Not everyone agrees with Self's approach. Alex Nowrasteh, vice president for economic and social policy studies at the Cato Institute, told Newsweek: "The Trump administration's policies are all wrong. Cartels will only be put out of business by legalizing drugs and immigration, not by declaring war on them. If the government crushes one cartel and drug prices rise, a new cartel will enter the market to earn those higher profits.

"Sending troops to Mexico would potentially be a great disaster of unusual severity. The U.S. made many terrible foreign policy decisions in the 21st century in Iraq and Afghanistan. Making a similar mistake in Mexico would be even worse because it borders the U.S. Of course, sending troops with the permission and support of the Mexican government would be less severe, but still an expensive intervention in another country at an unusually high cost with virtually no benefit."

Meanwhile, the Texas Republican also addressed the challenge of fully dismantling drug cartels, noting that while eliminating them may not be feasible, the goal among the GOP is to weaken their influence.

"Eradicate is a strong word. He can certainly take down the cartel. But the criminal element in Mexico is always going to exist, just like it does here. But, until they are a mere shadow of their current self, I have no doubt.

"I think Trump is serious about it. Because there are two parts to this. We've got to stop the flow, which they're doing, and we've got to start the repatriation."

What's Next

As Congress prepares to provide additional border security funding, Self has made it clear that he intends to push for immediate and decisive action.