Federal Government & Administrative Affairs
What is the Presidential Action?
In a recent executive order, the President of the United States has mandated a new procedure for labeling certain international cartels and other threatening organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) or Specially Designed Global Terrorists. This action utilizes established legal frameworks to aggressively target these groups, significantly expanding efforts to disrupt their operations both domestically and internationally.
Background or Context with Statistics and Source References
The decision to designate these organizations as terrorist entities stems from their profound and disruptive impact on national and international security. According to a report by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the influence of cartels has led to an unprecedented surge in drug trafficking and related violence. For instance, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) cites that opioid overdoses, primarily fueled by cartel activity, are responsible for over 70,000 deaths annually in the U.S. alone.
Why This Action Was Taken
The primary motivation behind this presidential order is the escalating threat that these cartels and organizations pose to the security of the United States and its allies. Their operations have not only perpetuated a cycle of drug trafficking and violence but have also:
- Destabilized governments in the Western Hemisphere.
- Compromised the safety and security of U.S. citizens.
- Engaged in acts that mirror traditional warfare tactics.
This designation enables more robust legal and financial tools to dismantle their networks and restrict their operational capabilities.
Short and Long-Term Impact on People
In the short term, this executive order may lead to increased security measures and enforcement actions, which could temporarily heighten tensions within affected communities, particularly those near international borders. In the long term, however, the dismantling of these powerful cartels and reduction in their influence is expected to result in:
- Decreased drug trafficking and associated violence.
- Strengthened national and international security.
- Improved stability in regions previously under cartel control.
Performance/Impact Parameters to Measure Success
To gauge the effectiveness of this order, several key performance indicators will be monitored, including:
- Reduction in drug trafficking volumes and related deaths.
- Decrease in violent incidents attributed to these organizations.
- Enhanced cooperation with international partners in counter-terrorism efforts.
- Successful prosecution and dismantling of cartel leadership and infrastructure.
These metrics will help determine whether the strategies implemented are successful in mitigating the threat posed by these dangerous organizations and ensuring the safety of U.S. citizens and international allies.
