In a year overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic, another crisis has been brewing in the United States – the growing threat of drug-related crime and violence. Under President Biden’s administration, the country has seen a surge in illegal immigration, drug overdoses, and cartel-related violence, leading to calls for action to address these pressing issues.
According to recent reports, more illegal immigrants and undocumented persons have entered the country under Biden’s presidency than under any other US president. Additionally, more Americans have died of drug overdoses during this time than under any previous administration. Surprisingly, the same people who advocated for stringent measures to combat COVID-19, such as mask mandates and lockdowns, have been relatively quiet about addressing the influx of drugs and violence stemming from cartel activity.
National Intelligence Director Avril Haines has identified groups like the Islamic State and Iran-backed militias as significant threats to US interests, with narcoterrorism on the rise as foreign terrorist organizations are using drug trafficking to fund their operations. One such group, Hezbollah, has established a global network of gangs and cartels trafficking cocaine and opium into the US.
FBI Director Christopher Wray has pointed out China’s role in providing precursor chemicals to Mexican cartels for manufacturing fentanyl, a deadly drug responsible for a record number of American deaths. Chinese nationals are also involved in illegal marijuana growing operations within the US, further exacerbating the drug crisis. Moreover, violence from Mexican cartels has spilled over into the US, with instances of targeted killings and drug-related homicides on the rise in states along the Mexico border and in Florida.
The debate over classifying cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO) has gained traction, with some members of Congress and Texas Governor Abbott advocating for such a designation due to the threat they pose to US national security. However, the potential fallout from labeling cartels as terrorist organizations could strain US-Mexico relations and lead to a host of legal and diplomatic challenges.
President Biden addressed the issue of drug-related crime in his recent State of the Union Address, highlighting the arrests made by the Department of Homeland Security and the seizures by US Customs and Border Protection. Despite these efforts, millions of undocumented individuals continue to enter the US, fueling the drug crisis and violence that plagues the country.
As the death toll from drug overdoses continues to climb, and cartel-related violence threatens communities across the nation, urgent action is needed to address these interconnected issues. From securing the border to cracking down on drug trafficking networks, the Biden administration faces a daunting challenge in combating the drug crisis and violence that grips the country. Only time will tell if the necessary measures will be taken to stem the tide of drugs and violence that threaten the safety and well-being of Americans.
In conclusion, the Biden administration faces a critical juncture in addressing the drug crisis and violence fueled by illegal immigration and cartel activity. With calls for decisive action growing louder, the spotlight is on the government to implement effective strategies to combat these pressing issues and ensure the safety and security of the American people.
