Trump Declares War on Cartels: “They’re the ISIS of the Western Hemisphere”
President Donald Trump is charging headfirst into an intense battle against drug cartels in the Western Hemisphere. At a recent law enforcement roundtable, he firmly stated, “What we inherited was a disgrace. The cartels are the ISIS of the Western Hemisphere.” This stark comparison underscores the peril posed by these organizations and sets the tone for his administration’s decisive actions in confronting them.
In a post that gained widespread attention, Trump voiced his frustration with past administrations, suggesting a lack of leadership under former President Biden. He pointed out that during Biden’s time, “nearly 100% of those who infiltrated the border did so because they were assisted by the most dangerous, violent criminal organizations on the PLANET.” This rhetoric signals a rejection of the past approach to border security, emphasizing a new resolve to confront what he labels a national security threat.
The roundtable also served as a platform to announce significant progress since the launch of the Homeland Security Task Forces (HSTFs) on January 20, 2025. This initiative aims to dismantle both foreign drug cartels and related violent operations, reflecting a robust, multi-agency effort. Early results show over 3,000 arrests of cartel operatives, including some of the leaders of notorious organizations like MS-13 and the Sinaloa Cartel, confirming the ambitious nature of the operation.
Over 3,000 Cartel Arrests and Millions in Drug Seizures
Data from the administration highlights the scope of the crackdown: more than 3,000 arrests, along with the seizure of over 2 million fentanyl pills, tons of narcotics, and illegal firearms. This further validates that this initiative is unlike anything seen in previous years. Trump boasted, “In a matter of weeks, the task force has made the largest number of arrests of cartel leaders, operatives, and gang members in American history.” These figures depict an administration serious about addressing the drug crisis that has affected countless families across the nation.
Strategic Shift: Cartels Treated as Terrorist Organizations
The designation of major drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations marks a fundamental shift in strategy. This move enables the use of military resources against cartel activities, transforming how the government engages these entities. Military strikes against suspected cartel vessels, such as a confirmed operation on September 15, illustrate the administration’s willingness to escalate measures against these groups. The confidential notice to Congress further outlines the president’s justification that these cartels constitute armed attacks against the United States.
With this designation, the administration asserts a strengthened capacity to disrupt cartel operations both in the U.S. and abroad. By treating cartel members as unlawful enemy combatants, the government’s focus expands to include the logistics of these organizations, indicating an uncompromising approach to national security.
Mass Deportations and Apprehensions at the Southern Border
The landscape at the Southern Border has transformed dramatically since Trump regained office. Reports of illegal crossings have plummeted, with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) documenting just 6,300 apprehensions in August 2025—reflecting a staggering 90% drop from the previous year. The administration claims this resurgence of law and order results from policies that consistently prioritize public safety and border integrity.
Alongside this reversal, almost 200,000 illegal aliens have been deported under the new regime, which includes individuals with serious criminal charges. Trump remarked, “Thank you very much, Joe Biden, for allowing that to happen,” placing blame for previous border crises firmly on his predecessor’s policies. This critique serves not only to highlight the present successes but also to reaffirm a clear distinction from past governance.
End of Soft Policies; Return to Law and Order
Critical components of Trump’s strategy involve revoking several immigration policies initiated under Biden, including the end of catch-and-release practices. The administration is back to constructing the border wall and detaining illegal entrants, signaling a robust return to a law-and-order framework. By restricting federal benefits to illegal immigrants, the government estimates savings of over $40 billion in taxpayer funds, further showcasing a commitment to protecting American resources.
Multi-Agency Cooperation and Use of Military Force
The HSTFs are a joint effort between multiple agencies, including the FBI, ICE, and the Department of War. This integration represents a unified front against cartel activities and signals a coordinated response that extends beyond typical law enforcement measures. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem are leading operational planning, while military coordination is spearheaded by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, illustrating the collaboration required to tackle such a complex issue.
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson emphasized this cooperative model, declaring, “The American people are safer today because of the HSTFs—and they’re just getting started.”
Looking Ahead
With momentum building, the Trump administration states it will not relent until the threat posed by cartels is extinguished. Trump asserted, “We’re going to not stop until the threat has been fully and completely eradicated.” The administration’s new approach challenges established U.S. policy by reframing cartels as enemies rather than mere criminal enterprises.
As military operations and law enforcement efforts continue, the real test lies ahead. Will this assertive stance yield lasting security improvements? The immediate results indicate success, with disrupted drug supply chains and rising arrest rates. How Congress and international partners respond could greatly influence the next phase in this ongoing struggle against cartels. The stakes are high, and the outcome will shape America’s approach to sovereignty and security in the face of cartel aggression.
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