President Donald Trump has made a significant move by designating the Mexican drug cartel as illegal combatants, a term that he claims marks a pivotal change in U.S. national security policy. He stated that this recognition of a “Non-International Armed Conflict” is among the most consequential in recent history.
For many years, authorities in Washington treated the violence associated with the cartels as mere crime, which meant, well, that it was largely viewed through the lens of law enforcement rather than military engagement. This led to a situation where indictments and asset seizures were common, but they didn’t dismantle the real foundation of cartel power. They engaged in a different type of warfare, characterized by elements of terrorism, intelligence, and territorial dominance. To label it simply as a “crime” was to guarantee a loss in that battle.
As highlighted by current data, Mexico stands out as one of the most violent conflict zones worldwide, only behind places like Palestine, Myanmar, and Syria. Shockingly, it’s noted as the second most perilous nation for civilians. These statistics are connected directly to our southern border, where cartel violence spills over into American neighborhoods every single day.
The Old Paradigm Failed
For decades, the federal perspective leaned heavily on law enforcement. Agents based their operations under laws like Title 21 and Title 50, often focusing on a limited range of “detect and monitor” initiatives. While they punished criminal acts, they failed to disrupt the larger campaign waged by the cartels, leading to a situation that felt almost strategically blind. Amidst prosecutions, the cartels were busy corrupting institutions and consolidating their empire.
As the Marines teach, how a situation is defined influences its dynamics. In this case, we avoided recognizing the cartel as a belligerent force, which led to misdirected efforts.
Not Just Gangsters, but Hybrid Warriors
Cartels are a uniquely hybrid threat, managing to control territory, instill loyalty through fear, and operate as shadow governments. They tax local populations and even provide a semblance of judicial processes. Their strength lies in a complex web of corruption and espionage, effectively blurring the lines of law enforcement.
These organizations utilize land, air, maritime pathways, cyberspace, and beyond. They’ve expanded their operational capabilities to include the use of drones, tunnels, jammers, and encrypted technologies, essentially running a hybrid campaign across multiple domains.
Weaponized Migration
Cartels aren’t merely engaged in smuggling; they’ve weaponized migration. This large-scale movement of people has become a strategic tool, concealing operatives and enabling foreign infiltration. In fact, millions of undocumented migrants from over 170 countries have crossed borders under cartel oversight. It’s not just about making a profit; it’s about creating demographic chaos.
According to Federal Law, terrorism includes acts that “coerce or intimidate civilians” or “influence government policies.” By that standard, the newer factions of Sinaloa and Jalisco can be categorized as terrorist organizations.
A Sovereign War
In my testimony before the Texas Legislature and U.S. Congress, I asserted that the conflict involving Mexican cartels fits the Geneva Convention’s definition of a “non-international armed conflict.” I characterized the cartels as hybrid rebels—foreign terrorist organizations that marry paramilitary violence, illicit economies, and political corruption to maintain control. I expressed that today, Mexico resembles a state where governance has disintegrated in many areas, dominated by foreign terrorist groups, akin to Afghanistan.
Trump’s declaration validates what many have been emphasizing for years: This issue transcends border control—it’s fundamentally a matter of sovereignty.
Global Network of Cartels
Currently, cartel operations extend into 65 countries. The Chinese network supplies chemical precursors, while Iranian and Hezbollah agents exploit smuggling routes. Logistics and security support are provided by Russia and Venezuela. Europol has revealed cartel collaboration in producing methamphetamine and cocaine in Europe. This outlines a global rebellion functioning through proxies.
The stability of the Western Hemisphere hinges on recognizing this as a war rather than merely a criminal issue.
America has experienced a similar pattern before. In Afghanistan, we lacked defeat not due to a shortage of power, but because we inadvertently facilitated corruption. We supported partners who were already under the enemy’s influence.
The parallels between Mexico and Venezuela are striking; governmental structures protect cartels through immunity and financial agreements. Continuing to support or legitimize such partnerships replicates past mistakes witnessed in Afghanistan, but at our own doorstep.
The Impact of a New Designation
Trump’s declaration shifts U.S. strategy significantly. Labeling a cartel as an illegal combatant could enhance coordination across various governmental departments. This means that not only financial networks but the cartels themselves would be targeted, facilitating a broader approach to combat these organizations.
The notion of cartels serving as convenient fronts for American adversaries is alarming. Countries like China, Iran, and Venezuela exploit them, using them as proxies—volatile, adaptable, and ruthless. Thus, the future stability of the Western Hemisphere could hinge on accepting this as a war, not a nuisance.
Peace Through Strength
Through this declaration, Trump seeks to restore a sense of peace by adhering to Reagan’s principle of strength. As Secretary of War Pete Hegseth recently stated, our foremost responsibility is to be sufficiently powerful to prevent conflicts from emerging in the first place. By aligning our capabilities with the threats we face, we convey a clear message to both cartels and the states backing them: challenge us, and you will face consequences.
The question that looms now is whether America is prepared to pursue this battle. State legislatures and the public need to rally around this strategy—past half-measures have failed. In this moment, unity, clarity, and resoluteness are crucial.
America is under threat. It’s time to stand firm and fight for a decisive victory.
