The father of a former US Marine, who tragically lost his life at the hands of cartel gunmen in Mexico, has expressed his support for President Trump’s crackdown on organized crime. He strongly criticized what he sees as a “failed border policy” under the Biden administration, suggesting it allowed violence to flourish, leading to his son’s death.
Nicholas Quetz, a 31-year-old former Marine, had been living in Tucson, Arizona, and was pursuing a career as a US Border Patrol agent when he was killed on October 18 while traveling on the Cavolca Altare Highway in northern Mexico. He encountered a cartel with around 25 armed men in 11 vehicles.
Nicholas’s father, Warren Quetz, told a news outlet that the Sinaloa Cartel recognized his son as an American based on his license plate and spoken language. “They chased him like a dog and shot him like a coward,” he stated.
Warren mentioned that he perceives immigration policies set by the previous administration as invitations for increased crossings from south of the US-Mexican border. He argued that these policies, combined with the exploitation of immigrants by coyotes and cartel members, have contributed to surging numbers over the last several years. He added, “If they reach the US border, that would be a catch-and-release policy.”
In response to inquiries, a representative from the Biden administration did not provide immediate comments. Warren also suggested that some nonprofits and local agencies have financially benefited from the ongoing border crisis, including churches and organizations receiving donations related to immigration matters. Two shelters in Pima County, Arizona, reported they had been operational prior to Nicholas’s death but eventually closed their doors. Similar closures have been noted in states like Texas, California, and New York.
Warren emphasized that the US must keep pressing on against “soulless” criminal organizations and support necessary cultural shifts in Mexico, referring to the country as a “de facto failed state.” He believes that the new administration offers a glimmer of hope but insists that it must be matched with ongoing, actionable measures.
“There’s a message that US citizens won’t passively accept any part of the world, and consequences will follow,” Warren remarked, attributing this message’s effectiveness to Trump. He noted that the US Border Patrol recently reported a record number of concerns at the Southwest Border, highlighting a significant drop in releases compared to previous months.
Warren cited his son’s death as a catalyst for several actions the current administration has undertaken against cartels. He referred to a June press release from the Treasury Ministry that linked sanctions against the child of a Sinaloa cartel leader to Nicholas’s killing. This tragedy has also influenced US actions in other cases, as the Department of Homeland Security mentioned Nicholas during a recent arrest of a Sinaloa cartel member.
Additionally, a report indicated that President Trump may have clandestinely approved military action against Latin American drug cartels, including the Sinaloa Cartel, identified as foreign terrorist organizations in February. Warren expressed gratitude for Trump’s support, noting that the administration remained in contact with him during their troubles. He feels fortunate for the recognition Nicholas’s death has garnered, stating, “Nick will not die in vain, as he has become the reason for many of these changes.”
