Arrest of Sinaloa Cartel Boss Signals Trump’s Commitment, Says DNI
Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence, expressed in a recent interview on Fox News that President Trump’s administration’s arrest of a high-profile Mexican drug cartel leader demonstrates the president’s seriousness regarding this issue. Gabbard highlighted that the arrest reflects a committed stance, not just empty gestures.
On October 15, Gabbard’s office announced the arrest of Leonardo Daniel “El Pato” Martinez Vera, the Sinaloa Cartel Plaza boss. He was taken into custody on charges linked to various criminal activities, including kidnapping and murder. During the interview, co-host Griff Jenkins inquired whether this arrest, made possible by intelligence from the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), sends a message to cartel leaders operating at the U.S. southern border under the Biden administration. Gabbard responded affirmatively, showing a desire to delve into the details of how the operation unfolded.
“Our agents, who are currently working without pay due to the ongoing government shutdown, have put in significant effort to ensure this man is imprisoned,” Gabbard stated. She also noted that the messaging from President Trump has reinforced the seriousness of the administration’s approach.
In the backdrop of this event, Senate Democrats largely voted against a bill aimed at funding federal workers and military personnel amid the ongoing government shutdown, which reached its 25th day on Saturday.
Gabbard pointed out that if members of El Pato’s organization believe they are untouchable, they are mistaken. She indicated that if they engage in bribery or other illicit means, they risk becoming targets themselves.
In a press release issued on the day of El Pato’s arrest, Gabbard emphasized, “We will not permit cartel organizations to operate freely and target Americans, whether within the U.S. or across the border in Mexico.” She underscored the vigilance and preparedness of NCTC teams.
The State Department classified the Sinaloa Cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) in February 2025, alongside other notorious groups like MS-13 and Torren de Aragua (TdA).
Since Trump’s return to office for a second term, reports indicate a notable decline in illegal border crossings compared to the peak levels seen during the Biden administration. Interestingly, Democratic Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who has criticized Trump, acknowledged on Fox News that many of the border issues previously encountered have diminished since Trump’s presidency resumed.
