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FIRST ON FOX: The Department of Homeland Security has released a poignant tribute video honoring Nicholas Quets, a Marine Corps veteran whose tragic death at the hands of the Sinaloa Cartel has sparked renewed discussions about cartel violence and national security. In its two-and-a-half-minute video, the department asserts that it is taking decisive steps to confront this serious issue.
In the video, officials describe drug cartels as they truly are—foreign terrorist organizations. This assertion underscores the magnitude of the threat these groups pose not only to Americans but also to global security. The tribute features interviews with retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Warren D. Quotes Jr. and Patricia Quets, Nicholas’s mother. Nicholas was shot and killed on October 18, 2024, near a Sinaloa Cartel checkpoint while traveling to Rocky Point, Mexico, with friends.
Cartel members allegedly attempted to steal Quets’ pickup truck before fatally shooting him in the back, ending his life at the age of 31. Quets’ father expressed a sense of validation and vindication in the video, noting his communication with Trump about his son’s death. This came after receiving no response from the Biden administration or the Vice President’s campaign.
Trump’s Bold Actions Against Drug Cartels
In an escalating effort against organized crime, former President Donald Trump’s administration has consistently pursued strong measures targeting drug cartels. The video highlights these initiatives by DHS as part of a broader narrative surrounding cartel violence and its implications on American safety.
In comments praising the initiatives, Quets’ father stated, “Designating all those organizations as foreign terrorist organizations makes things safer for us and puts them on the defensive. We want to send a message that targeting Americans anywhere has legal consequences. I thank President Trump and Secretary Kristi Noem for their commitment to protecting Americans and ensuring responsible use of taxpayer resources.”
Quets’ mother also expressed gratitude in the video by stating, “I want to thank everybody for putting this together and giving us a voice.” This acknowledgment highlights the emotional weight of their loss and their commitment to raising awareness about the dangers posed by drug cartels.
DHS has further elaborated on the concrete actions it has undertaken to dismantle these violent organizations. In a recent press release, the department outlined steps taken since Trump’s inauguration. Notably, an executive order was signed on the first day in office that designated drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. This designation enhances law enforcement’s power to combat various crimes, including sex trafficking, perpetuated by these cartels within the United States.
Fentanyl Seizures and Sanctions
On what would have been Nicholas Quets’ 32nd birthday, the Treasury Department announced sanctions against six individuals and seven entities accused of facilitating a money-laundering scheme that supported operations of the Sinaloa Cartel. This action demonstrates a layered strategy involving legal repercussions to combat such trafficking networks.
Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin commented on Quets’ heroism, stating, “Nicholas Quets was a patriot who served our country honorably, only to be killed by the cowardice of cartel members. President Trump and Secretary Noem honor his memory by working tirelessly to dismantle cartels that profit from violence and lawlessness.”
In the video, McLaughlin emphasized that Trump’s leadership is producing tangible results. She noted, “The days of unchecked cartel violence are over,” signaling a shift in the government’s approach toward addressing the growing threats posed by these organizations.
A Personal View from Quets’ Family
In an interview with Fox News Digital prior to the upcoming presidential election, Quets’ father reflected on his views of Trump. He expressed confidence in Trump’s character, differentiating between the public persona of a billionaire celebrity and the man he spoke with face-to-face. He remarked on the losses his family suffered, stating, “America got a little bit weaker. My family was destroyed, but America got a little bit weaker. Those cartels got a little bit stronger.” He believes that combating these organizations is crucial for national strength and safety.
The heart-wrenching testimony of the Quets family underscores the personal impact of cartel violence and serves as a call to action. In a climate where drug-related violence continues to escalate, addressing the root causes of these issues has never been more critical.
While the Department of Homeland Security faces the daunting task of dismantling powerful and violent organizations, the commitment shown by officials and advocates reflects a united front against the threat posed by drug trafficking. Enhancing security measures and providing support to families impacted by such violence will remain essential in the ongoing fight against these criminal enterprises.
Fox News Digital’s Danielle Wallace contributed to this report.
